The power of human stories is undeniable. Whether it is music, art, writing or oral narration, the share of his lived experience can have a deep impact. The stories connect people by explaining their emotions, their experiences and their universal values. They can also preserve and transmit traditions, customs, language and culture or be used as a persuasive tool to inspire action.
In educational contexts, the narration can be a transformer. When students have the opportunity to think about their lives and tell their experiences, they can better understand themselves and others. The stories also give students a voice, which is particularly important for those who are deprived of their rights. By sharing their stories, the inequalities they undergo are humanized, which could lead to an institutional change, such as changes in policy that can fill the gaps in terms of equity.
Ways to integrate the narration into class
- Narration models: Give a simple narrative model to guide students in their thoughtful thinking and writing. It could be useful to have them considered the main characters, the adjustment and the intrigue of their stories. The stories can be organized chronologically, thematically, or using a cause / effect or a problem / design of solution.
Example:
- What are your goals at school? How will education improve your life?
- What challenges, if necessary, did you know at school?
- How do you work to overcome these challenges?
- How can school help you succeed? What support or what resources would help?
- Interactive newspapers: Use an interactive newspaper, where students can share their stories. Then, a teacher can answer with positive comments, additional questions or prompts for reflection.
- Exit tickets: Give students to leave tickets at the end of the course so that they can write stories to share the personal connections they have established with class concepts. This can help them feel slowly more comfortable sharing their stories and starting to see the relevance of material in their personal or professional life.
- Human library: Each student has a story to share. It could be their role as a student, sports, time in the army or experiences in a family. The story of each student is like a book that her classmates can “consult” to find out more about them.
- Students’ interviews: As an icebreaker during the first week of lessons, students can create interview issues so that they can know their classmates. Ideally, they will meet mostly, if not all, of their peers, which will help them start to build a class community.
- Creative outlets: Encourage students to share their stories via podcasts, blog articles, comics, posters or presentations. Creative expression can help students talk about experiences that are difficult to put into words.
Although there are many advantages for students to share their stories, there can also be challenges to consider. For some students, it can be emotionally exhausting to review past experiences, especially if they are traumatic. As such, it is important for teachers to approach these activities with compassion and understanding.
Considerations for the respectful narration
- Sure learning spaces: Building a safe learning space where confidence is constructed can be privileged students to share their stories. It takes time, so teachers may want to wait to attribute a narration until relationships are built in class.
- Promote limits: Not everyone will feel comfortable sharing their stories. Teachers can give students the opportunity to withdraw or choose the parts of their stories that they feel comfortable sharing.
- Encourage respectful listening: The public should have clear expectations on how to listen to the stories of their classmates respectfully. Using empathetic body language such as leaning, noding and making eye contact when a student opens, he may have a deep impact and provide validation.
- Alternative assignments: If speaking openly is too personal, teachers can let students share their stories in alternative formats. Consider creative outlets, such as art, music or memory boxes.
- Model vulnerability: Teachers can model the narration in class. Then they can talk about the courage it takes to be vulnerable in front of others.
- Recognize the effort: When students take the risk and open in class, teachers can really rent their efforts. This is particularly important when students share a difficult subject.
The integration of narration into the class can allow students to share their unique experiences and perspectives. By carefully guiding these activities, teachers can create spaces where all students feel seen and appreciated. When students share their stories, they build compassion bridges, which can promote inclusion in class and enrich the learning community.
Amy M. Anderson, EDD, teaches communication courses in communication at the Spokane Community College and at Whitworth University. She obtained her doctorate in teaching and learning from the University of the Grand Canyon and her master’s degree in communication and leadership studies from the University of Gonzaga. Amy likes to search, write and present on subjects linked to communication, higher education, leadership, education and reflexive practice. She is also passionate about improving equity, diversity and inclusion in and outside higher education establishments.
Kelly R. Maguire, EDD, brand for the College of Doctoral Studies at the University of Grand Canyon. She obtained a doctorate in teaching and learning from the University of the Grand Canyon, a master’s degree in English and a master’s degree in elementary education from the Northern Arizona University. His bachelor’s degree in elementary education was obtained at the University of Arizona. His research and presenting interests include teacher training, teachers in initial training, micro-teaching, content knowledge and reflexive practice.
(Tagstotranslate) Class Community (T) Inclusive learning environment (T) Storytelling (T) Students Commitment
