Narrative Learning

<p>What is the role of narrative in how people learn throughout their lives?</p><p>Are there different patterns and forms of narrativity? How do they influence learning?</p><p>Based on data gathered for the <em>Learning Lives</em> project which sought to understand learning by questioning individuals about their life stories this book seeks to define a new learning theory which focuses on the role of narrative and narration in learning. Through a number of detailed case-studies based on longitudinal interviews conducted over three and four-year periods with a wide range of life story informants <em>Narrative Learning</em> highlights the role of narrative and narration in an individual’s learning and understanding of how they act in the world. The authors explore a domain of learning and human subjectivity which is vital but currently unexplored in learning and teaching and seek to re-position learning within the ongoing preoccupation with identity and agency. The ‘interior conversations’ whereby a person defines their personal thoughts and courses of action and creates their own stories and life missions is situated at the heart of a person’s map of learning and understanding of their place in the world.</p><p>The insights presented seek to show that most people spend a significant amount of time rehearsing and recounting their life-story which becomes a strong influence on their actions and agency and an important site of learning in itself. <em>Narrative Learning</em> seeks to shift the focus of learning from the prescriptivism of a strongly defined curriculum to accommodate personal narrative styles and thereby encourage engagement and motivation in the learning process. Hence the book has radical and far-reaching implications for existing Governmental policies on school curriculum.</p><p>The book will be of particular interest to professionals educational researchers policy-makers undergraduate and postgraduate learners and all of those involved with education theory CPD adult education and lifelong learning. </p>