Use the following questions to guide your response:
- What were you expecting from the experience before you started?
- Why were you expecting this?
- Why did you choose this goal?
- Did you learn anything about a different group in society (i.e., different age, profession, ethnic, racial or socio-economic group)? What did you learn?
- What is the most valuable experience you acquired?
- What impact did the experience have on your everyday life?
- What did you learn that was directly related to your course objectives?
- Expectations before starting the experience: Before starting any experience, individuals often have a range of expectations based on their goals and prior knowledge. These expectations can vary depending on the specific context and objectives of the experience.
- Reasons for expectations: Expectations are often influenced by a combination of factors, including personal beliefs, previous experiences, information obtained through research or communication, and the desired outcomes of the experience. These factors shape one’s anticipation of what they hope to achieve or encounter.
- Choice of goals: People choose specific goals for an experience based on their personal interests, curiosity, career aspirations, or a desire to broaden their understanding of a particular subject or group. The chosen goals align with their motivations and desired outcomes.
- Learning about a different group: Engaging in experiences often provides opportunities to interact with and learn about different groups in society. These groups can include individuals from different age brackets, professions, ethnicities, races, or socio-economic backgrounds. Through such interactions, individuals can gain insights into the perspectives, challenges, and experiences of others.
- Lessons learned: The most valuable experience acquired from any particular endeavor can vary greatly depending on the individual and the nature of the experience. It could be a newfound perspective, skill development, personal growth, empathy, or a deeper understanding of a specific subject or group.
- Impact on everyday life: Experiences can have a significant impact on an individual’s everyday life. They can influence one’s perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors, shaping interactions with others and informing decision-making processes. The impact can range from minor shifts in thinking to profound transformations that alter the course of one’s life.
- Relevance to course objectives: The relevance of an experience to course objectives depends on the specific context and objectives of the course itself. If the experience aligns with the subject matter or goals of the course, the knowledge gained and lessons learned can directly contribute to the achievement of the course objectives. The experience may provide practical examples, real-world insights, or a deeper understanding of the course material, enhancing the overall learning process.