Reflection

Experiencing Reflection

Open an informal discussion with participants, inviting them to share some of their reactions to their experience with Var­sity Coach Leader Specific Training. Encourage the sharing of ideas by asking questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Guide participants toward thinking through what they have experienced in this training, the effect of that experience, and the lessons they can draw from it.

Allow the conversation to flow for a few minutes, guiding the discussion as if it were a reflection. Use some or all of the following pointers for making the most of an opportunity for reflection:

1. Avoid the temptation to dominate the conversation.

Nondirective questions can inspire others to share their understandings, concerns, and vision.

• What did you think about this activity?

• What did you like best?

• What did you like least?

• What did you learn?

• How would you do this activity differently next time?

2. Be positive. Reflection can be enlightening and often fun.

3. Remind everyone that the environment of Scouting is a "put-down free zone" -we want to build up others, not put them down.

4. Encourage the group to determine the value of the experience they just had, focusing first on positive aspects.

5. Generalize the experience. A frequent goal of reflection is to help participants make the connection between the activity they have just completed and regular' team experiences.

• How could we use the ideas we learned today in our team?

• How can we use what we just learned about decision making when we're on our next campout?

6. Steer participants toward setting goals based on what they have learned about their recent experience. Begin with the positive but leave the door open for discussion of changes that will improve activities in the future.

Exploring Reflection

Reveal to participants the fact that they have been involved in a form of reflection. Based on what they have just experi­enced, ask them to describe their understanding of reflection and how it can be used to enrich the Varsity Scouting experi­ence for young men.

"Reflection is a form of careful listening and shar­ing that allows Scouts and leaders to assess an experience and get from it the greatest value it has to offer:' ,

- The Varsity Scout Guidebook, Chapter 10, "Understanding Young Men"