The creators of Reminiscence believe that communication is the

key to successful relationships. Taking that concept one step

further, they looked into the act of writing for therapeutic

resolutions. Reminiscence guides adults in putting pen to paper,

helping them open the layers of their psyches for the purpose of

relaying ideas, thoughts, and stories unique to them but

relatable to others. In its therapeutic function, writing continues

a service to personality which was begun in infancy by oral

language (Burrows, 1952). The release of tension through

communicating feelings to other interested and sympathetic

humans begins as early as a baby crying (Burrows). The creators

of Reminiscence researched the health aspect of writing as

therapy and forged the basis of Reminiscence as a method to

help adults improve their lives. Studies done based around the

form of expressive writing had identified the following benefits.

“Writing is a very sturdy ladder out of

the pit.” (Alice Walker)

The short video on the

next slide explains a

little more about

Narrative Learning

in

Adulthood

1. Our team was chosen based on an adulthood learning theory: Narrative Learning

1. Our project was to develop a program based around the Narrative Learning in theory, framework and/or in practice.

1. We used 6 steps which led to the development of the project (Topic Selection, Literature Review, Program Investigation, Program Design, Program Evaluation, and Project Demonstration).

1. Topic Selection

2. Literature Review

3. Program Investigation

4. Program Design

5. Program Evaluation

6. Project Demonstration

For full write up on these two programs, and to read on how they

relate to the Narrative Learning theory-

CLICK HERE

“I thought the program was an interesting and progressive idea. Most adults seek avenues to have their voice be heard, this seems plausible

and easy for someone to try... Overall I like the whole program’s idea of writing for the purposes of therapy.”This form of communication is a powerful tool that nowadays seems to get lost in the mixLifting the barrier of concern for grammar, etc. in writing, gave the students confidence to be a

“writer”, “…that is what is being touted in your program.” “I also liked the guidance of the steps of the program. For example, helping the student learn to use graphic organizers and mind maps,…to help with organization of other avenues of their life. ”

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: In Step 3-Write, does Reminiscence change the delivery of the story? if this is their story to tell does the program edit to fix grammatical mistakes, or edit to “sharpen” the details of the story?

“The Memoir Reminiscence Writing Program… facilitates) personal meaning making. The

program is structured to encourage the personal reflection necessary to tailor an organization of the events of our lives in order to tell our story – and in doing so – know better who we are.”Of particular note is the opportunity to share one’s story. The culture of the classroom community can certainly be enriched through

a shared heritage of stories, which contribute to a collective, as well as individual identity.The program proposal could be strengthened with the addition of pertinent research to support the benefits of personal narrative.Provide further definition to the processes

outlined would assist the reader in visualizing the process of mapping, voicing etc. These changes would provide a more compelling rationale for the program, as well as lend clarity to the steps integral to the process of personal narrative.

Burrows, A. (1952). Elementary English. National Council of Teachers of

English(29, 3), pp. 135-138, 149.

Rosenwald, G., Ochberg, R. (1992). Storied Lives. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale

University Press.

Pennebaker, J. W. & Beall, S. K. (1986) Confronting a traumatic event. Toward an

understanding of inhibition and disease. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 95, 274–281.

Barrett, H. (2001). Electronic portfolio. Educational Technology, an Encyclopedia. ABL-

CIO. (Dec. 2003)

Binks, E. S., Smith, D., Smith, L., & Joshi, R. M. (2009). Tell me your story: A

reflection strategy for pre-service teachers. Teacher Education Quarterly, 36, 141-156.

Carter, K. (1993). The place of story in research on teaching and teacher

education.Educational Researcher, 22 (1), 5--12, 18.

Merriam, S. (2008). Third update on adult learning theory: New directions for adult

andcontinuing education. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in adulthood.San

Francisco, CA: Jossey-BassUniversity of Houston. (2013) The educational uses of digital

storytelling. Digital Storytelling.

① Topic Selection

② Literature Review

③ Program Investigation

④ Program Design

⑤ Program Evaluation

⑥ Project Demonstration