For my doctoral thesis at McCormick Theological Seminary, I studied the lesson reflection process used by the education students on "Campus X" because I want to understand its impact and effect in promoting a sense of self care and holistic educational environments for students. My ministerial context consists of students in my Elementary Education classes ranging from 18 to over 60 years old with a larger number of females than males. In my education classes, I have a majority of white students with smaller groups of students from Asian, Hispanic and African-American backgrounds. The impediments for this thesis include the commuter nature of "Campus X" and the novice understanding of reflection, theology and holistic education. Tools used in this project are individual and small group interviews, classroom resources, models and discussions following the use of these materials. My theological framework includes Paulo Freire's belief in connecting context and dialogue, Malidoma Patrice Some's understanding that knowledge starts with an enlarged capacity to see, Lawrence Hoffman's belief that reflection offers a place for recollecting oneself and Christian scriptures on Christ's ministry of withdrawal and engagement. The three objectives of my doctoral thesis are to assess several reflective/praxis models currently in use in the United States, the creation of a model for meaning making structures present in the lives of education students and to develop a model and/or classroom activity that promotes self care and spiritual development for students. The results are: my education students preferred the reflective model centered on caring for students; the meaning making students want to experience is connectedness, authenticity and real-ness and finally the highest held values among students are people and relationships with their needs being more time, resources and connectedness. I found reflection is an avenue for connecting with others, an avenue for seeing, knowing and hearing one another and provides a place for deep talk, self care and spiritual growth. The significance of this process is applicable in multiple ministry contexts because it is a tool for empowering human beings to understand the context of their lives and experiences, and is a ministry model for Christ's continual engagement and reflection.
