Rolfe et al.’s (2001) reflective model is based upon three simple questions: What? So what? Now what?
What?
What happened? What did you observe?
What was your role at the community site?
What issue is being addressed or population is being served?
What were your initial expectations?
Why does this organization exist?
What learning occurred for you in this experience?
So What?
Did you learn a new skill or clarify an interest?
Did anything about your community involvement surprise you? If so, what? How is your experience different from what you expected?
What impacts the way you view the situation/experience? (What lens are you viewing from?)
What did you learn about the people/community?
What are some of the pressing needs/issues in the community?
How does this project address those needs?
How did the experience relate to your coursework?
Has your understanding of the community changed as a result of your participation in this project? If so, how?
Talk about any disappointments or successes of your project. What did you learn from it?
Now What?
How can you apply what you learned from your experience?
What would you like to learn more about, related to this project or issue?
What would you like to learn more about, related to this project or issue?
What follow-up is needed to address any challenges or difficulties?
What information can you share with your peers or the community?
If you could do the project again, what would you do differently?
Have your career options been expanded by your service experience?
How can you continue your involvement with this group or social issue?