Includes a mini-guide on research and writing prompts for writers who write about experiences of childhood trauma, a caution for those who do not want to see explicit research terms are used.
This is so thoughtful and intentional. I love the reflective prompts, especially the “What? So what? Now what?” approach, it really supports deeper thinking. Appreciate you sharing this.💛
Thank you Steena for reading and kind words, I hope you find a moment to have a try, it really does deepen reflections and organise them. It has really helped me reflect on my experiences.
The concept of research prompts feels sophisticated to me and speaks to an audience of people who want to better understand trauma on a more deeply personal level. The structure presented here can be applied to any topic of interest, but the topic of trauma resonates in the piece. This flexible structure gives the experience wings, and that is exciting.
The journaling aspect of the activity is what elevates the experience. Journaling is such an important part of internal reflection. I would really like to see more of an emphasis placed on the emotional side of the experience. While you ask the person to consider the What, So What, and What Now, intentional focus should also ask, how does this impact my understanding, my knowledge, and how is any of the applicable to me as a human being. This may be your intent with the What, So What, and What Now. Perhaps a closer link would be helpful.
Does the experience (research, prompts, and journaling) have an end goal? Is there a reason why a person would want to start this type of activity and then continue it? Will the experience provide some level of enrichment? This may truly be based on what the person doing the activity thinks, and you may have quietly implied this through the experience itself. But, if not, it may be worth talking more about the possible objective. Of course, it is also fine to leave that to the person following the prompts. Their internal meaning may be the true intent of this experience overall. Overall, impressive. Worth moving this forward to help people engage in learning and understanding.
Thank you Patrick for taking the time to read and comment.
I truly wish for these research diary prompts to would be a an opportunity to document my next 12 months of my PhD, Iam in third year now.
The reflective framework is intentional and one I use in my journalling. Particularly in my latest publication (in press).
I love your emphasis on emotions, I hope these are expressed organical during reflection and flow slowly or fast whatever feels right in the moment. Gentle and private.
I do hope writers find it meaningful, to frame their sensitive stories, I did! For me it felt gentle and purposeful. 💝
This will provide you with an amazing reflection of your learning, your feelings, and what is going through your mind in that moment. I can see your journals becoming a book of support for other PhD learners on their journey. Great work.
Thank you Leighton for your very thoughtful comment, this is the exact reason why I started a blog.
Iam pleased it resonated, as a researcher we unpack every feeling, thought and decision in a structured way...we go deep, really deep. I wanted to share a framework that helped me with reflect on my experience in a meaningful way.
The framework is intentional, it helped me process and write about an experience which has been accepted as a book chapter in a textbook...I will share it as soon as it's available publically.
“When we read, we absorb ideas, stories, words, structures, questions, and possibilities that quietly shape how we think on the page. Stories teach us how experiences are expressed; arguments teach us how ideas hold together; even a single striking sentence can change the way we understand that experience. Over time, this back‑and‑forth becomes a kind of learning, lifelong learning as reading expands our inner library, and writing transforms that influence into something distinctly our own.” This is well said. I can resonate with every word.
Second, the “What, So What, Now What?” I’m not sure if this was your intention but it’s a wonderful way to ask yourself how you’re digesting the information you’re taking in.
Third, the information about journaling and how much we can get out of it by including both emotional expression and cognitive processing. Fascinating. I was tasked with journaling to help me with my mental health and in having attempted two different ways of journaling, I can easily see the truth in what you’ve stated.
I am putting my hands up to admit to being a tiny bit confused about the purpose of this project. I expect it is my interpretation of the word 'prompt'! Is the idea to encourage us to research the given prompt you have suggested? Please forgive me if I have got it completely wrong!
Thank you for reading and sharing your reflections Dr Cherry. I agree research and writing is a real art form that improves with time and with practice. As a creative it makes sense, I was drawn to it... I am finding this out now.
This is so thoughtful and intentional. I love the reflective prompts, especially the “What? So what? Now what?” approach, it really supports deeper thinking. Appreciate you sharing this.💛
Thank you Steena for reading and kind words, I hope you find a moment to have a try, it really does deepen reflections and organise them. It has really helped me reflect on my experiences.
The concept of research prompts feels sophisticated to me and speaks to an audience of people who want to better understand trauma on a more deeply personal level. The structure presented here can be applied to any topic of interest, but the topic of trauma resonates in the piece. This flexible structure gives the experience wings, and that is exciting.
The journaling aspect of the activity is what elevates the experience. Journaling is such an important part of internal reflection. I would really like to see more of an emphasis placed on the emotional side of the experience. While you ask the person to consider the What, So What, and What Now, intentional focus should also ask, how does this impact my understanding, my knowledge, and how is any of the applicable to me as a human being. This may be your intent with the What, So What, and What Now. Perhaps a closer link would be helpful.
Does the experience (research, prompts, and journaling) have an end goal? Is there a reason why a person would want to start this type of activity and then continue it? Will the experience provide some level of enrichment? This may truly be based on what the person doing the activity thinks, and you may have quietly implied this through the experience itself. But, if not, it may be worth talking more about the possible objective. Of course, it is also fine to leave that to the person following the prompts. Their internal meaning may be the true intent of this experience overall. Overall, impressive. Worth moving this forward to help people engage in learning and understanding.
Thank you Patrick for taking the time to read and comment.
I truly wish for these research diary prompts to would be a an opportunity to document my next 12 months of my PhD, Iam in third year now.
The reflective framework is intentional and one I use in my journalling. Particularly in my latest publication (in press).
I love your emphasis on emotions, I hope these are expressed organical during reflection and flow slowly or fast whatever feels right in the moment. Gentle and private.
I do hope writers find it meaningful, to frame their sensitive stories, I did! For me it felt gentle and purposeful. 💝
This will provide you with an amazing reflection of your learning, your feelings, and what is going through your mind in that moment. I can see your journals becoming a book of support for other PhD learners on their journey. Great work.
It does absolutely help me process the stages of my PhD in a way that feels meaningful. Aha perhaps a book in a making with my fellow PhD friends. 🙏🏼
Thank you Leighton for your very thoughtful comment, this is the exact reason why I started a blog.
Iam pleased it resonated, as a researcher we unpack every feeling, thought and decision in a structured way...we go deep, really deep. I wanted to share a framework that helped me with reflect on my experience in a meaningful way.
The framework is intentional, it helped me process and write about an experience which has been accepted as a book chapter in a textbook...I will share it as soon as it's available publically.
There were so many parts I wanted to highlight!
“When we read, we absorb ideas, stories, words, structures, questions, and possibilities that quietly shape how we think on the page. Stories teach us how experiences are expressed; arguments teach us how ideas hold together; even a single striking sentence can change the way we understand that experience. Over time, this back‑and‑forth becomes a kind of learning, lifelong learning as reading expands our inner library, and writing transforms that influence into something distinctly our own.” This is well said. I can resonate with every word.
Second, the “What, So What, Now What?” I’m not sure if this was your intention but it’s a wonderful way to ask yourself how you’re digesting the information you’re taking in.
Third, the information about journaling and how much we can get out of it by including both emotional expression and cognitive processing. Fascinating. I was tasked with journaling to help me with my mental health and in having attempted two different ways of journaling, I can easily see the truth in what you’ve stated.
Hi Leighton thank you for reading and commenting, my response landed here... https://www.learninghivestudio.com/p/research-diary-prompts-deepening/comment/248373061?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=5zc2s3
I am putting my hands up to admit to being a tiny bit confused about the purpose of this project. I expect it is my interpretation of the word 'prompt'! Is the idea to encourage us to research the given prompt you have suggested? Please forgive me if I have got it completely wrong!
Here's is a simplified guide in my notes.....see if this helps.
https://substack.com/@katerinaschmitt/note/c-247253740?r=5zc2s3
You articulate this art so beautifully and coherently... it's a pleasure to read ☺️
Thank you for reading and sharing your reflections Dr Cherry. I agree research and writing is a real art form that improves with time and with practice. As a creative it makes sense, I was drawn to it... I am finding this out now.