Considering Ethical and Reflective Practice as Essential Components of Service Learning

Abstract

Through service learning, students can experience the transformative power of working collaboratively with partners in a community to respond to pressing needs. In such programs, students and faculty encounter rich cultural diversity and environments that are rife with potential for cultural misunderstandings and ethical dilemmas. The development of a reflective practice in service learning environments allows students and faculty to increase self-awareness and integrate theory and practice in ways that enhance engagement with a community, and deepen learning. Reflective practice is paying close attention to that which informs our practice and is the foundation of ethical practice. This session will offer examples of a reflective practice approach from Service Learning Intensives (SLIs) offered in Liberia, Colombia, and West Virginia. We will draw examples from each SLI to illustrate what reflective practice can look like in varied settings, and how this approach provides guidance for students and faculty as they encounter ethical challenges in a service learning environment. The session will include a brief presentation on reflective practice, as well as an interactive portion in which participants will be guided through the reflective practice approach, using an example of an ethical dilemma from a Service Learning Intensive.