Teaching reflection in service-learning : disciplinary differences in conception and practice

Abstract

Faculty from diverse disciplines are involved in teaching service-learning where reflection is an essential component. This qualitative study explores disciplinary differences in understanding reflection and use of reflective pedagogy. We interviewed faculty (N = 24) from 18 departments to examine differences in how they conceive and practice reflective pedagogy in service-learning courses. We found that disciplinary differences are a factor in how faculty conceive and practice reflection. Faculty from health and social care disciplines demonstrated an advantage compared to colleagues from other fields. Further, we found that how faculty conceive reflection is a factor in reflective practice. Conceptualizations of reflection, which are more student-referent or learner-focused, correlate with the more intense and effective practice of reflective pedagogy.