Transformative learning: writing narrative comedy as creative resistance. Issue 6 (2nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cake, Susan
• Is Part Of: Reflective practice. Volume 19:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 777
• Page End: 790
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02
• Subjects: Transformative learning -- critical reflection -- reflective writing -- creative writing -- narrative comedy -- screenwriting; Professions -- Periodicals; Reflection (Philosophy) -- Periodicals; Thought and thinking -- Periodicals; Self-knowledge, Theory of -- Periodicals; Career development -- Periodicals; 370.15
• DOI: 10.1080/14623943.2018.1539653
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-3943

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper examines a self-directed, transformative, learning journey triggered by the writer-researcher's experiences of change management which led to widespread redundancies within the vocational education sector in Queensland, Australia. The creative-practice led research focussed on writing narrative comedy screenplays, titled Fighting Fit . Critical reflection was embedded in the research methodology. Reflective writing was documented in a reflection journal and triangulated against external feedback to improve screenplay drafts. Critical feedback on scripts provoked a cycle of inquiry into the lived experiences which inspired the screenplays and highlighted concerns about diminished professional agency and alienation in the workplace. These concerns were then reframed within a humorous perspective by parodying discourses surrounding organisational change management. In doing so, the creative practice-led research enabled the writer-researcher to examine her professional disquiet in response to workplace changes, crystallise values in conflict with neoliberal approaches to education and performed a kind of creative resistance to the corporatisation of vocational education. Moreover, critical reflection embedded in creative writing processes shifted the writer-researcher's perspective towards an increased sense of agency and openness to change; arguably, a desirable outcome for practitioners operating within increasingly precarious employment situations.