Reflection - How it Works
Why is the reflection required?
The InAct program ensures experiential learning is a part of your Cornell experience and allows you to reflect on the hands-on knowledge and skills you've gained. Reflecting on your experience to convey what you’ve learned will greatly prepare you to have meaningful conversations with future employers and graduate programs.
What are the common reflection questions?
You will address the following reflection questions at the end of your experience, and are expected to aim for 150-200 words per question.
- Reflect on your experience. What surprised you during the experience about yourself, about others, and/or the place(s) you encountered?
- What challenges did you face during the experience? Consider the skills and methods that were helpful to you as you navigated these challenges.
- In what ways did you use verbal and/or nonverbal communication to accomplish your goals during this experience? Consider the ways various forms of communication can help or hinder productivity and project outcomes.
- How will you apply what you’ve learned during this experience to your future endeavors? Consider how this experience will inform your future interactions with people, places, and projects.
How will your reflection be evaluated?
Your sponsor will evaluate your reflection based on the following rubric:
Connections to Experience: Connects relevant experience and academic knowledge): Makes meaningful connections between experiences within the formal classroom and beyond. Shows evidence of a deepened understanding of one’s field of study and a broadened point of view. (Knowledge, Vocation)
4 (Ample evidence)
3 (Sufficient evidence)
2 (Some evidence)
1 (Little evidence)
0 (no evidence)
Reflection and Self-Assessment: Demonstration of a developing sense of self as a learner, building on prior experiences to respond to new and challenging contexts. Envisions a future self and makes plans that build on past experiences across diverse contexts (Knowledge, Vocation).
4 (Ample evidence)
3 (Sufficient evidence)
2 (Some evidence)
1 (Little evidence)
0 (no evidence)
Communication: Recognizes the value of verbal and nonverbal communication and participates in efforts to improve communication skills (Communication).
4 (Ample evidence)
3 (Sufficient evidence)
2 (Some evidence)
1 (Little evidence)
0 (no evidence)
How do you submit your reflection?
If you submitted an application in the InAct Portal, you will receive an email on the end date you listed on your application with a link to access the reflection. You will have two weeks past that date to submit your reflection. On your activity's end date, you will receive an email from the portal with a link to access the reflection. The portal will continue to send you reminders with 7 days remaining to submit and 24 hours.
If you lose access to these emails, you can access the reflection in the InAct Portal. You will need to login and click "View your records" on the left-hand side if you are on your computer. If you are on your phone, click additional navigation on the top of the screen to find the view your record option. This will take you to a table of your records, and there will be a record that says drafting reflection. Please click that record, and you will have an option to click complete reflection.
For all applications submitted in Handshake, you will submit your reflection to the dedicated Moodle page for your experience. For example, if you take an established course or off-campus Cornell course, there will be a dedicated assignment in your Moodle page where you can upload your reflection. For all other InAct activities, you and your sponsor will be added to a Moodle page depending on your activity type (Internship, Non-Cornell Off-Campus Studies Experience, CSRI, Other Experience). It is your responsibility to upload your reflection to Moodle by the end of your experience. You will receive an email from Handshake during the last week of your experience, so make sure you submit promptly.
Questions? Contact us
Send an email to ingenuity_in_action@cornellcollege.edu and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.