The Rhetoric of Healing: Poetry Writing as a Healing Practice

• In Event: Tending, Teaching, Writing, and Walking: Arts-Based Educational Research Methodological Possibilities and Praxis

Abstract

Drawn on Hanauer (2014, 2015) and Furman (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) methodological approach of using poetry as a therapeutic and self-discovery, this study presents a teaching activity that discusses the use of poetic autoethnography as a healing method with first-year students. After analyzing more than 30 short poems and reflections, the findings of the study reported that writing poetry made students feel relieved, engaged, comfortable and their experiences are recognized. These findings suggest that educators and policymakers should seriously consider various forms of arts and creative writing such as poetry in the classroom to create a welcoming environment where all students feel recognized, and their presence is appreciated.

Author

• Samah Elbelazi, University of Utah