Discussion Post: Reflective Writing & the Revision Process
After reading "Reflection Writing and the Revision Process: What Were You Thinking?" Respond to the following questions.
A. Giles explains the ways in which her understanding of reflective writing shifted as a result of having "to write those darned process notes" (193). In 3-4 sentences, describe her original approach to reflective writing and the specific ways in which her perspective and actions changed.
B. According to the section of the reading titled "How It Works," what are 2 specific benefits of engaging in reflective writing? How can reflection help us become stronger and more effective writers and communicators?
C. Consider which of the benefits from your response to question 2 connects the most to you and your experiences as a writer. In 4-5 sentences, explain which one(s) you feel like you've experienced in your own writing journey or which one(s) you feel like you could benefit the most from and why.
D. On page 200, Giles writes, "My students often resist writing about their composing processes, but it's good for them to see and analyze how they did what they did, and it also helps me know what they were thinking when they made composing decisions." She then goes on to explain the specific ways in which reflective writing can help not only the student, but also the instructor. According to Giles, what are at least 3 specific ways in which reflective writing can help the instructor more effectively respond to and understand student writing?
E. Relatedly, is this recognition that reflective writing can help the instructor more effectively respond to their students a new idea for you, or is this an idea you had previously considered/experienced? Explain your response.
F. On page 202, Giles writes, "Teachers don't want you to say certain things, we want you to think in certain ways." How do you understand what she means here, and what are some specific ways that reflective writing can help us to get into the productive "habit of thinking reflectively?" (202)
G. Think about your own experiences with reflective writing. These might be experiences you've had in school on an assignment, writing in a personal journal/diary, at your job, or somewhere else. In 5-7 sentences, describe one specific experience you've had with reflective writing and make at least one specific connection to something Giles writes in this article. Here, you might respond to one of the following questions:
a) Do your personal experiences with reflective writing agree with something Giles says? If so, what is the agreement?
b) Do your personal experiences with reflective writing contradict something Giles says? If so, what is the contradiction?
c) Do your personal experiences add to something Giles says, perhaps presents an additional perspective or an idea that she did not discuss? If so, what is this addition?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.