Using Creative Reflection Activities to Promote Leadership & Group CohesionNathan Williams & Mallory AndersonThe University of Georgia

BackgroundGeorgia Outdoor Recreation Program Nathan’s Role as a

Graduate Assistant

Physical Education Basics (PEDB) Mallory’s Role as a

Teaching Assistant

30 Student/Non-Student Trip

Leaders

Purpose of the Expedition

Group bonding without the distractions of campus

Skills instruction and assessment

Practice in giving and receiving feedback

Clarifying expectations and setting goals for the year ahead

Reflection Activities

Identity Trees

Leadership Values Flag

Solo Reflection

Identity Trees Participants draw a tree

with each branch representing a different role in their identity

Branches Geographic origin Family role Ethnic or cultural

heritage Religious or spiritual

background Role at the university Role you no longer fill One role of your own

choosing Other role options…

Share trees and debrief

Leadership Values Flag

Clarifying expectations of trip leaders to each other and to participants

Who are the participants?

Purpose of GORP trips

Synthesizing the conversation through creative expression

Solo Reflection• Time alone to reflect with activities• Semester letters• Make a gift for another group member• Think of an idea for a group activity to

share• Debrief with sounds of solo and chiji

cards

Application & Questions