CAS information & reflection

Active Reflections

Daily reflections

Things to ask yourself

The overarching intention of reflection in CAS includes the opportunity for students to:

• deepen learning

• consider relevance of experience

• explore personal and group values

• recognize the application of knowledge, skills, and attributes

• identify strengths and areas for development

• gain a greater understanding of self and others

• place experience in a larger context

• generate relevant ideas and questions

• consider improvements in individual and collective choices and actions

• transfer prior learning to new situations

• generate and receive constructive feedback

• develop the ongoing habit of thoughtful, reflective practice.

Elements of reflection

Reflection is a dynamic means for self-knowing, learning and decision-making. Four elements assist in the CAS reflective process. The first two elements form the foundation of reflection.

• Describing what happened: Students retell their memorable moments, identifying what was important or influential, what went well or was difficult, obstacles and successes. Reflection Creativity, activity, service guide 27

• Expressing feelings: Students articulate emotional responses to their experiences. The following two elements add greater depth and expand perspectives.

• Generating ideas: Rethinking or re-examining choices and actions increases awareness about self and situations.

• Asking questions: Questions about people, processes or issues prompt further thinking and ongoing inquiry

Extended reflection

What did I do? could become:

• Why did I make this particular choice?

• How did this experience reflect my personal ideas and values?

• In what ways am I being challenged to think differently about myself and others?

How did I feel? could become:

• How did I feel about the challenges?

• What happened that prompted particular feelings?

• What choices might have resulted in different feelings and outcomes?

Time for reflection

Students choose significant moments as the basis for reflection, for example when:

– a moment of discovery is happening

– a skill is mastered

– a challenge is confronted

Reflection 28 Creativity, activity, service guide

– emotions are provoked

– achievement deserves celebration.

• Students reflect during or at the end of a CAS experience or series of CAS experiences, to identify important moments, discuss a possible learning outcome, recognize personal growth and achievements, and plan for their next CAS experience.

• Students engage in group reflection with their peers to discover shared insights.

• Students reflect at the beginning, during, and at the end of a series of CAS experiences. This enables students to deliberate on such elements as planning, opportunities, expectations, challenges, progress, and personal growth.