Writing for Change

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Writing for Change

Dannelle D. Stevens, Ph.D., [email protected] State University

Presentation for Texas A & MOctober 12, 2012

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A veteran journal keeper

O “When I want to know what I really think, I write in my journal. It is more than a mirror. It does not reflect me. It is an evolving me: it is an organic process; it is discovery work.

O Writing in my journal changes me. I am growing and I am evolving as I write.”

O Barbara

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A new journal keeperO “My journal has become a symbol of

independence. It allows me the luxury of time to myself. My family would consider journal writing self-absorbent, selfish and a waste of time. I had to overcome and reframe this mindset. It was a slow process to change my attitude… I found that writing in my journal gave me justification to spend time focusing, venting or thinking metacognitively. The professor said it well when she said, “writing is thinking.”

O Laura

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ObjectivesO To connect the power of writing

with the power of reflection for personal change

O To show how journal writing can propel change

O To practice some strategies for change

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ChallengesO Tell me some of

the personal challenges that students experience..

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Three Elements

Reflective

Writing for

Growth

Power of Reflection

Benefits of Metacogniti

on

Benefits for Health

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Power of ReflectionO JK book, p. 37,

Barbara quote

O Objectifies experience

O Deepens understanding

O Promotes identity development

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MetacognitionO Think about

thinkingO Invite perspective-

takingO Develop repertoire

of strategiesO Log of experiences

to reflect onO Linked to success

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Doorway to HealthO Significant

health benefitsO Decreases

stressO Offers safety

O Write about traumatic events

O Explore alternatives

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Journal KeepingO Reflect in

writingO Affirms growthO Documents

growthO Fosters

creativityO Becomes

lifetime tool

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An activity: DialogueO Whom can you

dialogue with?

O What can you dialogue with?

O Why dialogue? O Answer after

activity.

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Activity: Secret SelvesO List 5 secret selves…

O e. g. Marilyn the messyO Peggy the perfectionistO Judy the judgeO Dianne the devilishO Suzie the studious

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DialogueO Write a dialogue with one of your

secret selves. Use pattern below.

O 10 minutesO D: Hello, Madeline the messyO MM: Hi, Dannelle, well, you

discovered me.O D: Yep, I kick you out when I have

visitors but, you are….

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Activity: ListingO Listing: What lists do we have?O Quote from Rainer, p. 85, JK book

O List:O The things that bug me…O The things I am grateful for…O The things I am proud of…O The things I do well…. Etc., etc.

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How to keep a journalO Bound copyO Private: Can

photocopy pages for reflections

O Two-columnsO Pages numberedO Table of contentsO Front and backO Remember

archival!

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How to get students to keep a journal

O Must be taught! how to reflect need to practice Must be integral with your contacts

Must be modeled

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A final thought…O Reflection with

Metacognition with Health Benefits leads to powerful personal change

O Thank you…..