Quick Wins: Assignment Ideas Using the Circle of Success

1. Draw Your Circle

Have students created their own Circle of Success, labeling areas like goals, obstacles, skills, and support. It’s a great way to see where they stand and what they need next.

2. Prompted Reflections

Use quick journal prompts:

• What’s one goal you’re working on?
• What’s holding you back?
• Who’s helped you succeed?

3. Peer Circles

Let students share their circles in small groups to build support, empathy, and accountability.

4. Before & After

Assign the circle at the start and end of a course — then reflect on what changed.

5. Creative Presentations

Turn the reflection into a short video or slide deck. Great for self-expression and presentation skills!

Why Reflection Matters in Field Placement

Chapter 4 of The Gerontology Field Placement, emphasizes that reflection isn’t just a nice add-on — it’s essential to a meaningful internship experience. This chapter offers practical tools like weekly report templates and preceptor evaluation forms, while also guiding students in developing self-awareness through reflection.

Educators will find practical, ready-to-use strategies and hands-on activities that guide students in linking their field experiences to personal and professional growth. Reflection doesn’t have to be time-consuming — but it does benefit from thoughtful preparation and structure.

Donorfio (2017) outlines five core elements for effective self-reflection in Figure 4.1:
(a) Journaling
(b) Mental space
(c) Techniques
(d) Mentors
(e) Trust in the process and in oneself

These components offer a simple yet powerful framework to help students reflect with purpose and confidence throughout their placement experience.

Whether you’re teaching practicum, fieldwork, or internships, this chapter offers an easy, student-centered approach to embedding reflection into your course.

The Circle of Success helps turn reflection into meaningful action – sparking real growth and thoughtful dialogue in the classroom.