Field Testing the WIL Reflection Model

Grant Recipients

Monica Vesely and Andrea Prier, Centre for Work-Integrated Learning

(Project timeline: November 2024 - October 2025)

Description

The Centre for Work-Integrated Learning needs a common reflective model that can be used across its full suite of offerings to support critical, self-reflection. After surveying available models in diverse sectors, the centre determined that a new model was needed to meet the requirements of quality WIL (support deep, multifaceted, impactful reflection and lifelong learning). This model has now been developed and initial consults with reflection experts and practitioners within the University of Waterloo community are nearing completion. Feedback from the consultations has helped to refine the model which is now ready for field testing. This study will invite WIL students and WIL advisors to use the model in their specific contexts and afterwards, provide an account of their experience using the model via a survey.  Each survey will be tailored to the specific participant group and the responses will be analyzed using a qualitative data approach.  

Project Objectives

The project aims to field test the WIL Reflection Model (Appendix 1) within two different contexts for 

  • Ease of use/how well it guides the reflective process 

  • Efficacy at supporting deep(er), multifaceted, impactful reflection and lifelong learning 

  • Applicability across contexts 

by testing its use in both asynchronous online course activities with WIL students and in-person, one-on-one conversations with WIL advisors.