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5. Reflecting

Reflecting is one of the most important activities to facilitate deep learning. Therefore we highly recommend reflective questioning at each stage of the COIL Collaboration Model.

Reflection-on-action & Reflection-in-action

The reflecting phase is an activity all too easily skipped when preoccupied with the lesson plan. In the UCOILD project we base our approach to reflection on Schön’s “the Reflective Practitioner model” (1983). This model emphasizes the importance of engaging in continuous reflection on your actions and experiences to improve learning and practice. Striving towards both intercultural, digital and content learning this is especially important.

Schön distinguishes between two types of reflection: 

  • Reflection-in-Action

    This refers to the ability to reflect on one’s actions and experiences in real-time, as they are happening. Students engage in a process of “thinking on their feet”, adapting actions based on ongoing reflection and feedback. 

  • Reflection-on-Action

    This involves revisiting and analyzing past experiences after they have occurred to gain insights and learning from them.

    It is crucial to culminate a COIL project with a comprehensive reflective session encompassing the entire process. The objective of this end reflection is to enhance the learning process by adopting a holistic perspective that encompasses all preceding steps. This comprehensive reflection should address both the content and intercultural learning dimensions of the collaborative experience. 

Reflective questions

Both reflections-in-action (during) and reflection-on-action (after), can be facilitated with the help of the questions we have formulated below. It is important to note though, that while every question is valuable, it is recommended to be selective in which questions are asked, as students can also grow tired of too much reflection.

For reflective questions during every phase the Post Motorola Method can also be used:

  1. What went well?
  2. What went not so well?
  3. What did I/we learn?
  4. What will I take into action/next steps?

For reflective questions supporting intercultural learning find inspiration in Fred Dervins approach: