Critical Narrative as Pedagogy

Description

Ivor Goodson and Scherto Gill analyse and discuss a series of trans-disciplinary case studies from diverse cultures and argue that narrative is not only a rich and profound way for humans to make sense of their lives, but also in itself a process of pedagogical encounter, learning and transformation. As pedagogic sites, life narratives allow the individual to critically examine their 'scripts' for learning which are encapsulated in their thought processes, discourses, beliefs and values. Goodson and Gill show how narratives can help educators and students shift from a disenfranchised tradition to one of empowerment. This unique book brings together case studies of life narratives as an approach to learning and meaning-making in different disciplines and cultural settings, including teacher education, adult learning, (auto)biographical writing, psychotherapy, intercultural learning and community development. Educators, researchers and practitioners from diverse disciplines will find the case studies collected in this book helpful in expanding their understanding of the potential of narrative as a phenomenon, as methodology, and as pedagogy.

Ivor Goodson is Professor of Learning Theory at the Education Research Centre, University of Brighton, UK. He also holds the Joss Owen Professorship (Chair of Education) at the University of Plymouth. His recent books include: Narrative Learning (2010); Investigating the Teacher's Life and Work (2008), and Professional Knowledge, Professional Lives (2003). Scherto Gill is a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Sussex's Department of Education, UK. She convenes, teaches and tutors the Person-Centred Education programme as part of the MA in Education Studies. Her teaching is about supporting students in exploring their own journeys of learning and research inquiry and helping them to become confident educational researchers and practitioners.

A wonderful resource for teachers and students to explore narrative processes that can lead to meaningful change and development in any learning environment ... Critical Narrative as Pedagogy is likely to be of interest to educators, researchers and practitioners from diverse disciplines those who are exploring different pedagogical approaches to education. Educators and students alike will find the case studies collected in this book helpful in expanding their understanding of the potential of critical narrative as a pedagogical approach. * New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies * Given the tumult in American education today, Critical Narrative as Pedagogy is a possible antidote to the din ... It is a positive, restorative endeavor, countering the teach-to-test philosophy currently fueling American education. * Journal for Peace & Justice Studies *