Twelfth International Conference on e-Learning & Innovative Pedagogies

Abstract

This workshop will provide information and a starter pack to help set up a new creative writing group or enhance an existing writing class. The effect of creative writing on adolescent wellbeing was explored in this 2017-2018 Queensland master teacher project. Year 7 – 12 students were invited by English teachers to join a weekly voluntary extra-curricular writing class on Collaborate and to complete writing exercises. Lessons were recorded for students with a class clash and full-time dancers. Course content included: sentence and editing exercises, philosophical and intellectual discussion, sharing writing, reading other students’ writing, reading to an audience, giving and receiving feedback, workshop and sharing the company of other writers. Students were also offered individual feedback and tutoring via Collaborate, phone or in person. Participants completed surveys prior to entry and on exit from the program, the results of which form the basis of this research paper. The duration of the project prevented quantitative data such as NAPLAN and A – E results being meaningfully analysed. Qualitative data examined included: 1. Likert Surveys including student feedback 2. EPOCH Surveys (Engagement, Perseverance, Optimism, Connectedness, Happiness) 3. PANAS-C (Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale for Children) 4. Satisfaction with Life Surveys 5. Children’s Hope Scale 6. The Gratitude Questionnaire 7. Growth Mindset The writing created from this course was published in Cairns School of Distance Education termly newsletters and students were encouraged to enter external writing competitions.