Doctoral School

Writing retreat for junior language researchers

Cluster

Communication Skills

Target audience

Members of the Doctoral School

Abstract

The writing retreat is an initiative by junior researchers for junior researchers. It provides a safe and informal environment where researchers in language science can build a network. In addition, by applying the writers’ group method as taught by Sarah Haas in the Doctoral School course “Writer development” and the “Intervision” method (in which a member of the organizing committee is specialized) to guide brainstorms about writing issues, the course helps researchers to maximise their productivity in a sustainable way by writing purposefully, decreasing distractions and sharing progress.

Objectives

The aim of this writing retreat is three-fold: 1) to provide a framework which stimulates productivity and collaboration; and 2) to stimulate brainstorming and intellectual exchange between linguists from different disciplines, 3) to strengthen group dynamic and increase wellbeing.


1) As mentioned above, we apply the writing group method which provides a strong framework for productive co-working. First, everyone sets an individual goal (what you want to achieve, as concrete as possible e.g. “write 250 words”) and anti-goal (what you want to avoid e.g. checking emails) for the upcoming round, which lasts 50 minutes. During the round, everyone works in silence on their own goals. After 50 minutes, a short debrief is held in which everyone shares whether they reached their goals and antigoals. After setting new goals for the next round, a short break (5-10min) is held and then the next round starts. Following this method has proven to be very effective, as we also apply it during our weekly organised writing groups during the academic year. 2) To reach the second goal, the evening session takes the shape of an intervision organised around the sharing of issues and hurdles the participants encounter while writing linguistic work 3) In order to reach the second goal, the writing retreat also provides additional activities. Preparing meals together, taking walks in the nature, organising yoga or similar workout-sessions before, during or after the working sessions, and playing board games. These activities will support the group dynamic and increase overall wellbeing of the early career researchers. 

Dates and venue

08 June- 12 June 2026
Koksijde

Tentative Programme

9u00-12u30: writing session 1 (3 rounds)

12u30-13u30: lunch break

13u30-15u30u: Writing session 2 (3 rounds)

15u30-17u:00: Afternoon break (active break)


17u00-19u00: Writing brainstorm - intervision (2 rounds)

Registration

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members.

Number of participants

Maximum 15

Language

English

Training method

presentations by doctoral researchers, discussion, practical exercises, homework before or during the course) and number of hours per type of activity: 

Evaluation method

Attendance and active participation.
After successful participation, the Doctoral School Office will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.