Fostering Growth Through Critical Reflection: How to Transform Experiences in Volunteering and Daily Life

Critical reflection is a cornerstone for meaningful change and is deeply rooted in Transformative Learning Theory, first introduced by Jack Mezirow. This powerful practice allows individuals to re-examine their experiences, question underlying assumptions, and foster personal growth. 

Critical reflection involves a process of introspection and analysis, encouraging individuals to reconsider their beliefs, values, and experiences by examining the “why” and “how” behind them. This reflective practice enables us to identify biases, challenge assumptions, and open up to new ways of thinking. 

Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory posits that significant personal change occurs when individuals critically reflect on their assumptions and beliefs. In volunteering, this process transforms perspective, enabling a shift from merely completing assigned tasks to profound personal growth and change. We have the opportunity to create space for this shift in both volunteering and our everyday experiences.

Reflecting on Everyday Experiences 

I practice framing everyday experiences through a transformative lens and encourage my young kids (six and under) to also engage in the practice. Nearly every night at the dinner table, I turn this reflection exercise into a game by asking them to name their “high, low, and buffalo” of the day. Selfishly, this approach provides us, as parents, with more insight than the typical “good” response when we ask, “How was your day?” But this practice also encourages them to identify and articulate their experiences, fostering a habit of reflective thinking: 

• High: What was the best part of your day? 
• Low: What was the most challenging part of your day? 
• Buffalo: What was something unexpected or surprising that happened today? 

This activity does more than promote conversation; it frames daily experiences in a way that encourages reflection and growth. By discussing our highs, we’re guided to appreciate positive moments and achievements. Lows help us acknowledge and process challenges, promoting resilience. The buffalo invites them to explore the unexpected, fostering adaptability and curiosity. 

Critical Reflection in Transformative Volunteering 

At Realized Worth, we apply similar principles to Transformative Volunteering. We believe volunteer experiences should contribute to societal good and promote personal development and transformative change in volunteers. 

By integrating the practice of critical reflection into volunteer activities, we help individuals connect deeply with their experiences, leading to a greater sense of purpose and commitment. Here’s how we do it: 

1. The Brief: Before engaging in volunteer activities, we encourage volunteers to set intentions, reflect on their motivations, and create space to challenge assumptions. Introducing a disorienting dilemma can prompt volunteers to question their preconceived notions, facilitating critical reflection. This process helps them understand their role in societal inequalities and equips them to contribute meaningfully to positive change.   
2. Guiding Volunteers: We can create opportunities for real-time reflection and connection during the volunteer activity as we guide volunteers through their experience, helping them align their motivations with their initial desire to get involved. This can be done through guided discussions or informal conversations, prompting volunteers to consider their impact and feelings about the work (Learn more about the Journey of the Volunteer here). 
3. The Debrief: After the activity, we facilitate a structured reflection session through the Debrief. Volunteers are encouraged to share their experiences, discuss highs and lows, and explore surprising or unexpected outcomes. This helps volunteers consolidate learning, reinforce positive behaviors, and address challenges. 

Promoting Deeper Reflection and Connection Through Critical Reflection 

Transformative Volunteering and the “high, low, and buffalo” exercise encourage deeper reflection and critical examination of experiences. These practices, used in volunteering or daily life, help challenge assumptions and break down barriers between people, and they push individuals to look beyond surface-level experiences by: 

• Challenging Assumptions: Encouraging participants to question biases, fostering inclusivity. 
• Connecting on a Human Level: Helping individuals genuinely connect by sharing and understanding diverse experiences. 
• Promoting Long-Term Engagement: Motivating volunteers to stay committed or helping children develop habits of thoughtful reflection. 

At Realized Worth, we integrate these reflective practices into volunteer programs, empowering volunteers to grow, adapt, and thrive, driving profound and sustainable social change – but you can intentionally guide critical reflection for any experience, even a mundane Tuesday night dinner. Creating space for critical reflection more intentionally can contribute to a more empathetic and connected network of volunteers open to new, dynamic experiences that bridge the perceived gaps between people.