Self-Reflection

Self-reflection in the context of impact-driven education is the deliberate and systematic process through which students critically examine their learning experiences, actions, and outcomes, with a focus on understanding the broader implications of their work within real-world contexts. It involves critically evaluating one's beliefs, values, strengths, weaknesses, and behaviors, as well as considering how these aspects influence personal growth, decision-making, and interactions with others.

Why Self-Reflection?

Self-reflection holds paramount importance in impact-driven education as it serves as the cornerstone for fostering transformative learning experiences and meaningful societal change. By engaging in self-reflection, students deepen their understanding of their own learning processes and gain invaluable insights into the complexities of real-world challenges. Moreover, self-reflection serves as a catalyst for personal and intellectual growth, fostering a deeper understanding of one's values, beliefs, and motivations. Through this process, students critically examine their experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, discerning the broader implications of their learning within the context of societal challenges and opportunities. By questioning assumptions, considering diverse perspectives, and refining their goals in alignment with their desired impact, students develop empathy, resilience, and a heightened sense of social responsibility, empowering them to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond. 

Here is a guideline for students how to use it:

1. Description (what)

Describe the event or experience you are reflecting upon. The main points to include here concern what happened. This includes providing context, details, and the sequence of events.

Pitfalls to avoid:

• Being overly vague: Ensure that your description is clear and specific. Avoid omitting important details. 
• Including evaluations, judgements, or conclusions: These steps will go later. Keep this step as objective as possible.

2. Feelings (what)

Reflect on your emotions and thoughts during the experience. Identify your initial reactions and how your feelings evolved. Try to think about how others in the situation might have been feeling.

Pitfalls to avoid:

• Underestimating emotions: Don't dismiss or downplay your emotions. All feelings, positive or negative, are relevant for reflection.
• Not acknowledging complex emotions: Sometimes, you might experience conflicting emotions. Don't oversimplify your feelings; explore the nuances. 
• Focusing solely on yourself and your own emotions: It’s important to explore how you felt in relation to others and how your behavior might have impacted other people. 

3. Evaluation (so what)

Assess the positive and negative aspects of the experience. Consider what went well, what didn't, and any surprises. Also consider what other people contributed to the situation (positively or negatively).

Pitfalls to avoid:

• Focusing only on extremes: Avoid categorizing everything as either entirely positive or negative. Look for nuances and mixed outcomes.
• Ignoring your biases: Be aware of any preconceived notions or biases that might influence your evaluation.

4. Analysis (so what)

Analyze the experience by examining the factors that influenced it. Consider your assumptions, behaviors, and the actions of others.

Pitfalls to avoid:

• Jumping to conclusions: Don't rush to conclusions without thoroughly analyzing the situation. Consider multiple perspectives.
• Blaming others: While analyzing, focus on your own actions and decisions as well. Avoid solely attributing the situation to external factors.

5. Conclusion (so what)

Summarize your learning and highlight what changes to your actions could improve the outcome in the future. Reflect on what you could have done differently in the situation. Consider alternative actions, behaviors, or approaches.

Pitfalls to avoid:

• Being overly critical: Avoid harsh self-judgment. The goal is to identify opportunities for improvement, not to excessively blame yourself.
• Ignoring constraints: Consider the context and constraints you were operating under. Sometimes, alternatives might not have been feasible.

6. Action Plan

Based on your reflection, outline the steps you would take if you encounter a similar or related situation in the future. This step is about learning and growth. Try to make it SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time specific)

Pitfalls to avoid:

• Creating an unrealistic plan: Ensure that your action plan is feasible and takes into account the real-world complexities of the situation.
• Not being adaptable: Recognize that circumstances may differ in the future. Your action plan should be adaptable and open to modifications.
• Skipping the "How" Aspect: Pitfall: Focusing solely on what you would do differently without addressing how you will make those changes.

The various dimensions to reflect on

Self Reflection plays a pivotal role in impact-driven education, because the reflective practice empowers students to engage in a multifaceted exploration of their learning experiences, encompassing various dimensions: 

A. Experience/Activity: Competency development, e.g. collaboration, communication skills, positive impact agent role

B. Process/Procedures: Teamwork, e.g. what’s my role in a group?Individual learning journey, e.g. how have I evolved as a student during the course?

C. Subject Matter/Content: Relevance of content for student at different levels. Cognitive level: what am I learning?

Students can use the Reflective Activity Guide to get guiding questions on the dimensions to reflect on.

The information provided in this factsheet draws on the insights and outcomes from the "Transformative Learning at RSM" initiative, which is a key component of the broader "Impact at the Core" project. This project is dedicated to enhancing educational practices and fostering impactful learning experiences at Rotterdam School of Management.