Juliana Saxton

Bio: Juliana Saxton is an academic researcher from University of Victoria. The author has contributed to research in topics: Drama & Narrative. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 21 publications receiving 336 citations.

Teaching, Questioning and Learning

Abstract: Part I: Why the Question 1. What Seems to be the Problem? 2. A Question of Knowing 3. A Question of Feeling 4. An Example Lesson Part II: What Kind of Question 5. A Classification of Questions 6. An Example Lesson 7. A Glossary of Questions Part III: How do we Question? 8. Fewer Questions, Better Questions and A Time to Think 9. Putting a Question, Handling the Answer 10. The Case for a Student as a Questioner 11. Switching Places: The Student as Questioner 12. An Example Lesson.

Applied theatre : international case studies and challenges for practice

Abstract: "Applied Theatre" is the first study to assist practitioners and students to develop critical frameworks for planning and implementing their own theatrical projects. This reader-friendly text considers an international range of case studies through discussion questions, practical activities and detailed analysis of theatre projects globally. Saxton and Prendergast provide a historical and theoretical overview of practical theatre and conclude each case study with useful suggestions for hands-on activities and additional readings. Case studies cover a wide range of disciplines from theatre studies to education, medicine and law. The book encourages students and practitioners to acquire a deeper, more concrete understanding of applied theatre.

Distancing at close range: investigating the significance of distancing in drama education

Abstract: Distancing at close range: investigating the significance of distancing in drama education, by Stig Eriksson, Vasa, Norway, ABO, 2009, 302 pp., ISBN 978-952-12-2314-3 Performing as Mother Courage i...

The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers

Abstract: An Introduction to Codes and Coding Chapter Summary Purposes of the Manual What Is a Code? Codifying and Categorizing What Gets Coded? The Mechanics of Coding The Numbers of Codes Manual and CAQDAS Coding Solo and Team Coding Necessary Personal Attributes for Coding On Method Writing Analytic Memos Chapter Summary The Purposes of Analytic Memo-Writing What Is an Analytic Memo? Examples of Analytic Memos Coding and Categorizing Analytic Memos Grounded Theory and Its Coding Canon Analytic Memos on Visual Data First-Cycle Coding Methods Chapter Summary The Coding Cycles Selecting the Appropriate Coding Method(s) Overview of First-Cycle Coding Methods The Coding Methods Profiles Grammatical Methods Elemental Methods Affective Methods Literary and Language Methods Exploratory Methods Forms for Additional First-Cycle Coding Methods Theming the Data Procedural Methods After First-Cycle Coding Chapter Summary Post-Coding Transitions Eclectic Coding Code Mapping and Landscaping Operational Model Diagramming Additional Transition Methods Transitioning to Second-Cycle Coding Methods Second-Cycle Coding Methods Chapter Summary The Goals of Second-Cycle Methods Overview of Second-Cycle Coding Methods Second-Cycle Coding Methods Forms for Additional Second-Cycle Coding Methods After Second-Cycle Coding Chapter Summary Post-Coding and Pre-Writing Transitions Focusing Strategies From Coding to Theorizing Formatting Matters Writing about Coding Ordering and Re-Ordering Assistance from Others Closure Appendix A: A Glossary of Coding Methods Appendix B: A Glossary of Analytic Recommendations Appendix C: Field Note, Interview Transcript and Document Samples for Coding Appendix D: Exercises and Activities for Coding and Qualitative Data Analytic Skill Development References Index

The Mindful Brain: Reflection And Attunement In The Cultivation Of Well-Being

Abstract: Can a scholarly book be read at the bedside? This one can be. Initially, I chose to review this book because of its attractive title, “The Mindful Brain” and the implication that it can be used for the cultivation of well being. Precisely, this is the business we are in. As I got started, I realized that this seemingly easy to read book is studded with complex information that makes one’s mind to ponder over thoughtful questions. Answers are given in the book but again are deceptively hidden behind simplistic screen. I have read other books by Daniel Siegel and I was very surprised by the change of his writing style, which is friendly, yet conveys important scientific information authoritatively. In the preface, his first sentence conveys this spirit of collaborative journey. “Welcome to a journey into the heart of our lives” (page xiii), and indeed, readers are amply supported in this journey through personal anecdotes, metacognitive observations and new scientific knowledge-base required to understand the mindful brain. In this four part, fourteen chapter book, the definitions of mindful brain are interestingly laid out. One of them emphasized three points: awareness in the present moment, awareness through paying attention on purpose, and being non-judgmental to the unfolding of experiences (position taken by Jon Kabat-Zinn well summarized on page 10). But Siegel goes further than these commonly accepted definitions. He describes for us what he calls COAL, acronym for curiosity, openness, acceptance, and love. This is just a starting point for acronyms. There are many more to follow. I actually felt crowded by these acronyms, and in some places they make the text more complicated than need be. Mindful awareness practices (MAPs), COAL, SIFT (sensations, images, feelings, and thoughts), MBCT (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy), SOCK (sensation, observation, concept, and knowing), to name the few. The chapter on “Brain Basics” seemed too basic but it could not be ignored. I had to remind myself that the book is probably written for a mixed audience, and for the non-physician community this chapter could be providing an essential basic tool to understand functioning of the brain and connections with mindfulness. I am going to skip next few chapters where Siegel describes his own authentic experiments with mindfulness practices. This self-disclosure adds the friendly quality that I initially appreciated but it did not tie-in that well with the rest of the discussion. This model for the functioning of the mind, he describes as the wheel of awareness. It comprises of the rim, spokes, and hub. The sectors of the rim are divided into: first five (outer world), sixth (body), seventh (mind), and eighth (relationships). The spokes in this model are intentional focus of attention and the hub has the capacity to keep track of the target of attention. Although the model is nicely pictorially represented, I wondered why I was getting the static sense of awareness from this model. The concepts of executive function, self regulation and attunement are explained on the basis of this model albeit in an inferential manner. The ‘hub’ of this model is ascribed this function of regulating sensory flow, the feelings, even sense of our own self. This discussion now leads to how we could harness these complex phenomena by being mindful. What follows is an elegant description of how mind can govern the executive functions and self regulation. This sense of static status, is probably a feeling of disjointed sense between the various descriptions of the components of the model, and it is entirely possible that readers have to achieve a particular mental status to grasp all the written and implied connections. The essence of the next chapter (chapter seven) is to offer the key to unlock the art of mindfulness. In author’s words,” Letting go of such top-down influences is the art of mindful awareness” (Page 160). He has defined top down influences as to the way some of the higher processes can take over the lower or perceptual processes in the moment. Siegel emphasizes that it is not just sensing the moment but also about not being judgemental. I absolutely loved one aspect of this discussion…he described how words can be good cognitive companions and how they can also entrap us. “If …we see them as real, their top-down influences on our lives can be devastating” (page 161). Now get ready for the best easy-to-understand description of the mirror neurons, attention to intention, and internal attunement. Even if I have said elsewhere that readers can get lost in the jungle of acronyms, this chapter surpasses all those intricacies and conveys the connection between mindfulness and mirror neurons. A rather simplistic description of the brain as a social organ and an anticipatory machine follows. In chapter nine, we are given balanced perspectives on the concept of integration-interpersonal relationships, attachment –narrative, and coherence-cohesion. Some clarification is essential, as for example, the author tells us that coherence and cohesion are phenomenally different. A “cohesive state” is created as a set of equations that rigidly defines the in and out group status of any variable….” (page 207). Coherence on the other hand was explained as having many embedded variables that influence the equation itself. How does this fit into mindfulness? The triangle of wellness is said to be composed of neural integration, a coherent mind, and empathic relationships. Mindfulness will influence dynamic interaction between the neural, mind and relational aspects (page 208). The next two chapters teach us the aspects of flexibility of thinking, and reflective thinking. There is a good discussion on recent findings of how attuned interactions induce the neuroplastic changes in the offspring (Meaney, 2001). Part IV focuses on the reflections on the mindful brain. This part has three clinically relevant chapters. Chapter twelve introduces the Fourth “R” in the education of the mind. The first three Rs are reading, writing and ‘rithmetic. The fourth one is reflection, and is essential to developing mindfulness. Siegel describes the neural terms of developing this fourth R as the indirect training for the development of the prefrontal cortex. He describes in detail how domains of neural integration can be promoted in psychotherapy. The horizontal integration is described as linking the two sides of the nervous system, which are logical and emotional/visceral representations. The vertical integration helps us to disentangle past unresolved losses and experiences that separate us from experiencing the vitality of present senses. Memory integration has to do with interwoven connections between the implicit and explicit memory. But narrative integration discussion captured my full attention. Siegel particularly excels here, and states that the creation of a narrative of our own life involves a “witnessing self” (page 309). There are three additional ideas of integration that follow, namely the state integration, temporal integration and interpersonal integration. State integration is accepting our different states of being, but the temporal integration was difficult to grasp. Essentially what I got out of this is how to guide ourselves and our patients on existential issues such as uncertainty, impermanence and death. I wished Siegel would have expanded on this discussion which is quite crucial for psychotherapeutic interventions. Interpersonal integration was not what I thought. Siegel sees it as “a vital way in which our brain’s hardwiring to connect enables us to feel grounded in the world” (page 317). The next level of integration, I did not know even existed. The traspirational integration is said to open our minds to another dimension of perception, a beautiful new way of thinking of opening the mind to infinite possibilities. The author has provided a useful glossary and appendix that deals with the resources to work on mindfulness. Neural notes are added as a help to understand middle prefrontal functions. My earlier comment on how basic the brain functions chapter was has to be now balanced with this addition. Overall, the author convinced readers like me that mindfulness has a place in the personal and professional domains. It is here to stay, and it has always been with us, but never got the scholarly status that it enjoys currently. In my view, it is a must reading for all therapists who practice psychotherapy and use the vehicle of cognitive therapy for their patients. My rating for the content is 8/10, usefulness 8/10, but for the flow of the material 5/10. Happy reading.