After learners watch your content on Kaha Create, reflection exercises help them process, apply, and remember what they've learned - in their own context. Each style serves a different purpose - from connecting learning to lived experience, to taking immediate action, to critically examining ideas.
When you create content, you'll choose which reflection style works best for your audience and your kaupapa. Think about what you want learners to do after they've watched your video.
When to use
When you want learners to connect your content to their own lived experience and create personal meaning.
Learners recall a real moment from their past related to your concept, then connect it to what they've just learned. This helps knowledge stick because it's grounded in their own story.
Example
"Think of a time when you felt truly heard by someone. What made the difference? How does that relate to what you've just learned about effective communication?"
When to use
For deeper, more analytical thinking. When you want learners to synthesise ideas and form reasoned arguments.
Learners write a short structured essay that requires them to evaluate, analyse, and explain your concept in their own words. Ideal for building critical thinking.
Example
"Evaluate the tension between rapid growth and long-term sustainability in community projects. What evidence supports your view?"
When to use
When you want learners to question assumptions, challenge ideas, and think about implications.
Learners examine your concept from multiple angles. What might we be missing? What are the assumptions? How might this apply differently elsewhere? It develops deeper thinking.
Example
"What assumptions underlie this leadership approach? Who might this work well for, and who might it exclude? What would shift your thinking?"
When to use
When you want immediate, practical action - learners should leave ready to implement what they've learned.
Learners identify one specific situation where they'll apply your concept soon, plan for potential barriers, and commit to an action using "if–then" language. This moves learning into behaviour change.
Example
"Think of a conversation you need to have soon. When that moment arrives, what's one thing you'll do differently? Write: 'When [situation], I will [action].'"
When to use
For organisations and teams - when you want honest evaluation of whether current practices align with your concept.
Teams reflect on how they currently approach your concept, examining systems, processes, and dynamics. It surfaces barriers and enablers, revealing who benefits and what needs to change.
Example
"How does your organisation currently make decisions? Who's included? Who benefits most? Is this approach working? For whom? What evidence do you have?"
Do you want learners to remember, apply, analyse, or transform? Each style serves a different purpose.
Consider Your Audience
Individual creators need different reflections than organisations. Volunteers reflect differently than paid staff.
Planning reflections take 5–10 minutes. Essays might need 15–20. Choose based on what you expect from your learners.
Wānanga-style learning might benefit from Experiential. Policy work might call for Critical Analysis or Current State Assessment.
I want learners to…
Try this style
Connect to their own story | Experiential |
Think deeply and analyse | Essay or Critical Analysis |
Question assumptions | Critical Analysis |
Take immediate action | Planning |
Honestly assess their organisation | Current State Assessment |
Build case studies or evidence | Essay |
