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Writing for Change. Dannelle D. Stevens, Ph.D., stevensd@pdx.edu Portland State University Presentation for Texas A & M October 12, 2012. A veteran journal keeper.
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Writing for Change Dannelle D. Stevens, Ph.D., stevensd@pdx.edu Portland State University Presentation for Texas A & M October 12, 2012
A veteran journal keeper • “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. • Writing in my journal changes me. I am growing and I am evolving as I write.” • Barbara
A new journal keeper • “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.” • Laura
Objectives • To connect the power of writing with the power of reflection for personal change • To show how journal writing can propel change • To practice some strategies for change
Challenges • Tell me some of the personal challenges that students experience..
Power of Reflection • JK book, p. 37, Barbara quote • Objectifies experience • Deepens understanding • Promotes identity development
Metacognition • Think about thinking • Invite perspective-taking • Develop repertoire of strategies • Log of experiences to reflect on • Linked to success
Doorway to Health • Significant health benefits • Decreases stress • Offers safety • Write about traumatic events • Explore alternatives
Journal Keeping • Reflect in writing • Affirms growth • Documents growth • Fosters creativity • Becomes lifetime tool
An activity: Dialogue • Whom can you dialogue with? • What can you dialogue with? • Why dialogue? • Answer after activity.
Activity: Secret Selves • List 5 secret selves… • e. g. Marilyn the messy • Peggy the perfectionist • Judy the judge • Dianne the devilish • Suzie the studious
Dialogue • Write a dialogue with one of your secret selves. Use pattern below. • 10 minutes • D: Hello, Madeline the messy • MM: Hi, Dannelle, well, you discovered me. • D: Yep, I kick you out when I have visitors but, you are….
Activity: Listing • Listing: What lists do we have? • Quote from Rainer, p. 85, JK book • List: • The things that bug me… • The things I am grateful for… • The things I am proud of… • The things I do well…. Etc., etc.
How to keep a journal • Bound copy • Private: Can photocopy pages for reflections • Two-columns • Pages numbered • Table of contents • Front and back • Remember archival!
How to get students to keep a journal • Must be taught! how to reflect need to practice Must be integral with your contacts Must be modeled
A final thought… • Reflection with Metacognition with Health Benefits leads to powerful personal change • Thank you…..