THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND REFLECTION
the situation in context. That critical distance allows the student to thoughtfully and intentionally respond. The student is empowered as he or she identifies the range of options available.
Our calling as educators should be to serve as the“ guide on the side and not the sage on the stage” as King argues( King). The use of reflection is especially impactful during times when many aspects of the world feel unsettled or challenging. Reflection can provide students with the clarity of vision and confidence of experience to act in meaningful ways. In short, reflection empowers students to learn from their own experience which is exceptionally valuable. Our students are not only citizenleaders in the future; they are amazing and talented young people who already have the capacity to uplift others. We should focus on helping students understand and value their own lived experiences so that they may serve as a road map for future learning, growth, and service.
In his outstanding book The Road to Character, David Brooks argues that we wrestle with ourselves as we struggle to prioritize“ eulogy” or“ Adam II” virtues like character, a sense of right and wrong, integrity, charity, sacrifice, humility vs.“ resume” or“ Adam I” virtues like external success, status, and achievement. Often we must go through what Brooks identifies as the“ U Shaped Curve” which is the challenge after failing or realizing that those“ resume” virtues are
“ Reflection can provide students with the clarity of vision and confidence of experience to act in meaningful ways.”
not the ultimate goal. Once we go down the“ Road to Character” and move through the U shaped curve, we have developed those“ eulogy” or Adam II virtues. Those who successfully work towards that goal“ have built a strong inner character, who have achieved a certain depth … the climb to success has surrendered to the struggle to deepen the soul”( xvii). As teachers we are called to invest in young people so that they become those adults with a stronger inner character and a depth born of maturity and experience. Prioritizing educational experiences that focus on leadership and use reflection as a pedagogical tool, we empower students to become leaders who are able to work through difficult challenges, understand themselves and the world around them, and use every circumstance as an opportunity to grow and mature. •
Works Cited
Brooks, David. The Road to Character. Random House, 2016.
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CSEE Connections Summer 2025 Page 9