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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…..