Support Students' Skill Development Through Competency‐Based Reflection Journals

ABSTRACT The technical and general skillsets required to be successful in geographic information science and technology (GIS&T) are diverse. Drawing on a case study, we examined the integration of competency‐based reflective assignments into a GIS&T capstone project course. These reflection assignments were designed to assess (1) the competencies students initially considered important to succeed in GIS&T, (2) the role of the capstone project in supporting competency development, and (3) student perception of the role of reflection assignments in relation to competency development. Results show that students overlooked a few competencies in their initial reflections, including geospatial thinking, critical and creative thinking, and formal communication skills. Through the completion of a GIS&T capstone project, students were able to develop or gain awareness of these skills. The reflection assignments were particularly important in supporting the development of competencies related to writing, metacognition, and critical thinking skills.