Personalizing Critical Development Studies: Using Diaries as a Pedagogical Tool for Deep Reflection
Personalizing Critical Development Studies: Using Diaries as a Pedagogical Tool for Deep Reflection
Kamna Patel and Lee Rensimer
Chapter Summary:
This chapter examines the use and value of reflexive diaries written by global development studies students to self-explore their norms, values, and engagement with ideas of development. This self-exploration facilitates their ability to self-reflect and, thus, personalize critical development studies. Reflexive diaries are a useful tool for students to develop key skills, such as observational analysis and critical reflexivity, that allow them to explore their positionality in relation to the development studies. The authors note that the use of reflexive diaries allows students to internalize lessons and implement more critical practices in their work upon completion of their studies.
Resources and Supplementary Material
I. Sample Instructions for Reflexive Diary: This describes the reflexive diary assignment for students.
II. Recommended Readings: These articles provide theoretical and practical applications of reflexivity that are useful to both educators and students implementing reflexive practices in the classroom.