August 1, 2024
Writing retreats build connections for education doctoral students
To encourage connections within cohorts, the East Carolina University Educational Leadership department began hosting summer writing retreats for students.
“As the EdD is an online program, the writing retreat is an opportunity for students to connect with each other and receive feedback as they’re writing their dissertations,” said Dr. Crystal Chambers, professor in educational leadership.
A theme running throughout all the workshops is balance — students work hard on their dissertations but also have enjoyable experiences together, such as riverfront dining, going to the beach and meeting an Iron Chef.
“I enjoyed lunch with my cohort and having the chance to learn more about each other,” said Phylicia Bridgers, a current EdD student. “We shared our food preferences, travel experiences, details about our families and learned more about the work we get to contribute to on a daily basis. I’m not sure if we would have had the opportunity to connect like this organically if Dr. Chambers hadn’t organized the writing retreats.”
Another current EdD student, Matthew Passwater, also agreed with Bridgers’ sentiment.
“We all are working through similar issues and have a lot of the same questions, but when you are in a distance education program, there are times it can feel kind of isolating,” he said. “Even thought we meet regularly virtually for class and we talk and text fairly regularly, getting into a physical space fosters a different opportunity to work together with multiple people at once, and you realize you aren’t the only one with the question or issue.”
In the EdD program, students begin working on their dissertation at the very beginning of the program. Having the ability to workshop ideas and gain feedback from each other through the writing retreats was critical for several students.
“My peers offered valuable insights that refined my ideas and enhanced my overall narrative,” said Kamesia House, a current EdD student. “Their feedback also served as a source of motivation, boosting my confidence and encouraging ongoing refinement.”
The retreats have proven to be a success, as students noted feelings of improved confidence and productivity through the experience.
“Writing often makes me feel vulnerable but sharing that vulnerable space with my classmates and drawing on their strengths was very rewarding,” Bridgers said. “We all want to see each other win and be successful.”