GHEA21 Publications
Fostering a Sense of Community through the Dialectical Notebook
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
This reflective essay explores the transformative journey of an English instructor within the Haitian Education and Leadership Program (HELP), focusing on how writing-based, student-centered pedagogies—particularly the Dialectical Notebook—foster a deep sense of community among students. The author shares personal challenges with traditional lecture-based teaching methods and highlights a turning point through participation in the CLASP Fellows Program at Bard College's Institute for Writing and Thinking. By implementing collaborative, reflective practices like the Dialectical Notebook, the instructor observed significant improvements in student engagement, critical thinking, and emotional connection within the classroom. The essay underscores the importance of nurturing a sense of community in educational settings, especially amid the socio-political difficulties in Haiti, as a foundation for leadership, resilience, and social change.
Recommended Citation
Alsaint, Giovany, "Fostering a Sense of Community through the Dialectical Notebook" (2025). GHEA21 Publications. 35.
https://digitalcommons.bard.edu/osun_publications/35
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