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Reflection Paper

Examples of a Reflection Paper
Rubric for Reflection Paper
Guidelines and expectations for Reflection Paper

Examples of a Reflection Paper

1. High 5 – Intro to Low Challenge Course Reflection Paper (PDF 18 kb)
2. Adventure Program Management Reflection Paper (PDF 17 kb)
3. Adventure Based Counseling Workshop: reflecting upon my experience and future applications (PDF 138 kb)
4. Adventure-Based Counseling Reflection Paper (PDF 40 kb)
5. Advanced Skills and Standards Workshop Reflection Paper (PDF 14 kb)
6. Advanced Skills and Standards Reflection Paper 2 (PDF 21 kb)

Guidelines and expectations for Reflection Papers after workshops and other approved adventure learning experiences

Reflection and application are two critical components of the experiential learning cycle. This assignment is designed to encourage both of these processes while helping you move your understanding of adventure learning from theory to practice. Complete this assignment after you have finished your adventure learning workshop and, ideally, after you have incorporated some of the workshop content into your professional environment.

There is a lot of freedom to develop your reflection in the way that you want, however here are some guidelines and recommendations. The paper should be original work between 3 and 5 pages in length (double-spaced), in which you demonstrate your understanding of the workshop content, reflect on its significance, and discuss its application in a specific professional environment.

A typical paper might demonstrate the experiential reflection questions of What?, So What? and Now What?. Summarizing the workshop (the What) should only be a preface to the real work of the paper. Discussing the significance of the workshop content (the So What) and the actual or hypothetical application of the workshop content into your professional activities (the Now What) are the core of the reflection. A paper might discuss the main themes, new information and theories that you encountered and then discuss the use of the specific content from this workshop in the setting where you work. You can tell what you did (or intend to do), and then consider what worked well (or might work well), what was difficult, and what you would change or do differently next time around. While it is appropriate to discuss the usefulness of the workshop content in your professional setting, an evaluation of the workshop itself or the presenter is not specifically part of this assignment.

Since the paper is expected to be original work, and uniquely your own, if you incorporate quotations or material from other sources, it must be cited as such. The preferred method in the field of Adventure Education is the most recent edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. For more information about APA style, visit the Plymouth State University's Lamson Library & Learning Commons Web site.

Generally, papers will be graded on the depth of reflection, the way that you incorporate both theory and experience, and the effectiveness of the written communication. The rubric for this assignment clarifies specific expectations for both reflection content and writing effectiveness.

Rubric for Reflection Paper assignment after Project Adventure, High5 and other approved adventure learning experiences