Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2023
Degree Type
Capstone - Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
Department
Education
Instructor/Advisor
Melissa Nemon
Abstract
This project’s purpose was to evaluate the potential strengths and areas for improvement of the Flash of Understanding curriculum for young women to combat the mental health crisis faced by this population. The curriculum, utilizing flash-length creative writing as its main tool, seeks to strengthen knowledge of creative writing craft, deepen understanding of social justice concepts, and combat isolation in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Content was created utilizing Creative Youth Development (CYD) as a framework, which as a discipline places equal importance on creative skill development and the personal growth of youth (Montgomery, 2017). The curriculum outline was presented to four reviewers via a structured interview process who have experience in creative writing education, youth development, or community engagement. All reviewers reacted positively to the curriculum and provided suggestions for implementation. Significant findings from this review process include: a favorable response to the balance between creative writing and social justice, the importance of emphasizing boundaries among program participants, and the suggestion of including outside reading to address any gaps in knowledge among participants.
Recommended Citation
Martin, Hope, "A Flash of Understanding: Utilizing Flash-Length Creative Writing in the Empowerment and Identity Development of Young Women" (2023). Community Engagement Student Work. 92.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/soe_student_ce/92
