Jordan Peterson, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto, has created a course for undergrads called Maps of Meaning, which focuses on writing assignments that combine both goal-setting with creative writing. In the class, students write out specific goals and ways they can overcome potential hurdles to their success, as well as reflect on past triumphs and tribulations (Kamenetz).
These writing exercises help motivate students in their academic careers. Peterson’s paper analyzing his writing project claims that the goal-writing exercise has helped make the gender and ethnic minority achievement gap all but disappear. He and many others believe formal goal-setting helps students overcome stereotype threat and perform better in classes.
Read more from this NPR article.
Kamenetz, Anya. “The Writing Assignment That Changes Lives.” NPR. NPR, 10 July 2015. Web. 14 July 2015.
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