Building Bridges with Narrative Pedagogy: Connecting Students Through Shared Experiences
Pratyay Malakar
Introduction:
Education is indeed a powerful tool that can transform individuals, communities, and nations. However, with its diverse population and rich cultural heritage, finding a teaching approach that works for everyone in India can be challenging. The traditional lecture-based approach to teaching often fails to engage students and fails to make the subject matter relevant and meaningful to their lives. In this context, narrative pedagogy can be an effective approach to teaching that recognizes the importance of stories in human experience and utilizes storytelling as a primary teaching method. According to Parker Palmer, "Good teaching is always about storytelling." Narrative pedagogy creates an environment where students can connect with the material in a personally meaningful way and can facilitate critical thinking and reflection.
What is Narrative Pedagogy?
Narrative pedagogy is an approach to teaching that recognizes that stories are central to human experience and that learning through stories can be a powerful tool. According to Dr. Karen J. Mann, a professor of nursing and founder of narrative pedagogy, "stories can serve as a portal through which students enter the subject matter, allowing them to connect to the material in a way that is personally meaningful." Narrative pedagogy can be used to teach any subject, including science, history, and literature.
Becoming a teacher in today’s digital age raises many questions. How can teachers compete with social media and robotics, with technology taking over the intellectual domain? How do they maintain their individuality in this hybrid world? One solution proposed by experts in education is narrative pedagogy.
From Background to Benefits:
The idea of narrative pedagogy was developed by Dr. Karen Mann, a professor of nursing at the University of Pennsylvania, in the early 2000s. According to Dr. Mann, "Narrative pedagogy is an approach to teaching that uses storytelling to help students connect with the material in a personally meaningful way." Narrative pedagogy has since been used in various fields, including nursing, education, and social work.
Narrative pedagogy is grounded in the idea that stories are central to human experience and is essential for organizing human understanding, learning, and action. . Stories are used to make sense of the world around us, to communicate with others, and to form our identities. In a classroom setting, narratives can be used to engage students in the subject matter, provide a context for learning, and facilitate critical thinking and reflection. There is no one-size-fits-all solution in teaching, and each encounter with a student is unique. Narrative pedagogy acknowledges this by allowing teachers to draw on their own experiences and emotions, creating a personal narrative that can be used to connect with their students. By reflecting on their own narratives, teachers gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their motives, and their challenges. Sharing these narratives with colleagues can create common experiences and identify dilemmas that everyone faces. Through this process, teachers take responsibility for one another and contribute to creating a shared professional history.
Narrative pedagogy can also be used to help teachers understand the social context in which they work. By understanding the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence their students, teachers can better connect with them and help them succeed. When teaching in diverse classrooms, narrative pedagogy can be an effective tool for connecting with students from different backgrounds. By sharing personal experiences and emotions, teachers can create a sense of empathy and understanding. This can help build trust and create a safe space for learning. Additionally, narrative pedagogy emphasizes the importance of a teacher’s voice and personal knowledge. In diverse classrooms, this can be especially important. Teachers can draw on their own experiences and cultural background to create an inclusive and relevant curriculum for all students.
Using Narrative Pedagogy in Indian Classrooms:
India is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. With over 1.3 billion people and 22 official languages with millions of folklore, regional tales, narratives can help bridge the gap between the teacher and the students and the different cultural groups in the classroom. According to Dr. Anupama Mahajan, a professor of education at the University of Delhi, "Narrative pedagogy provides a platform for students to share their experiences, and this can help to build empathy and understanding between different cultural groups."
The stories and folklores of marginalized communities in India are a vital part of our collective history and heritage. These stories are often overlooked and neglected in mainstream education, perpetuating systemic inequalities and reinforcing dominant power structures. However, incorporating these stories in teaching can provide students a radical and transformative learning experience. It can help children understand the lived experiences, struggles, and aspirations of communities that have been historically marginalized and excluded from the mainstream narrative. These stories can inspire empathy, critical thinking, and social consciousness. They can provide a powerful tool for reclaiming spaces and identities for DBA folks, trans and non-binary people, people living in conflict regions, religious minorities, and all other marginalized people in India. It is essential for all Indian children to learn about these stories and to develop a more inclusive and empathetic worldview.
Some Best Practices for educators:
To effectively use narrative pedagogy in your classrooms, there are some best practices that you as a teacher can consider:
Start with a story: You can begin their lessons with a story related to the subject matter. This will help to engage the students and provide a context for the lesson.
Use local stories: You should use stories that are familiar to the students, such as local folk tales or legends. This will help to make the lesson more relatable and meaningful to the students.
Encourage student participation: Please encourage your students to share their own stories and experiences related to the subject matter. This will help to build empathy and understanding between the students.
Use multimedia: You can also use multimedia, such as videos or images, to enhance the storytelling experience. This can help to make the lesson more engaging and memorable.
Figure: Phases of Storytelling
Real-life stories and folklore that can be used in classrooms:
Irom Sharmila Chanu is a human rights activist from Manipur who went on a hunger strike for 16 years in protest against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Her story can be used to teach children about the struggles faced by people in conflict-ridden regions and the importance of standing up for what one believes in.
A. Revathi who is a transgender activist from Tamil Nadu who has been working to promote trans rights and fight against discrimination. She was forced to leave her home at a young age and faced numerous challenges, including violence and harassment. Revathi has written several books on transgender issues and is a vocal advocate for transgender rights in India. Her story can be used to teach children about the challenges faced by transgender individuals and the importance of acceptance and inclusivity.
Noor Inayat Khan was a British-Indian Muslim woman who worked as a spy during World War II. She was the first female radio operator to be sent to Nazi-occupied France by the British Special Operations Executive. Despite facing numerous challenges, including being betrayed and captured, Noor refused to give up information and remained loyal to her cause. She was eventually executed by the Nazis. Her story teaches us the importance of courage, resilience, and commitment to justice, even in the face of great danger and adversity.
Birsa Munda was a tribal leader who fought against British colonialism in the late 19th century. He led the Munda Rebellion, a movement to resist British rule and protect the rights of indigenous people. Birsa Munda's story is a powerful example of the ongoing struggle of Adivasi communities for autonomy and justice in India. It teaches us about the importance of resistance against oppression and the need to recognize and respect the rights of indigenous communities.
Kannagi was a legendary woman from the Tamil epic, Silapathikaram. She is known for her righteous anger and her fight for justice when the ruling king falsely accused and executed her husband. The story teaches us about the importance of fighting against injustice and the power of women in leadership roles.
Princess Suriratna is a folk hero from Arunachal Pradesh who is known for her bravery and cunning. Her story can be used to teach children about the history and culture of North Eastern India and the importance of resourcefulness and resilience in the face of adversity.
Ekalavya was a talented archer who was rejected by the guru of the ruling Kuru kingdom because he belonged to a lower caste. Ekalavya built a statue of his rejected guru and practiced archery in front of it, eventually becoming a skilled archer. The story teaches us the importance of determination and perseverance in the face of discrimination and injustice.
Teachers can create a classroom environment that is supportive, engaging, and transformative by embracing narrative pedagogy. As Ken Robinson once said, "Education is not a mechanical system; it’s a human system. It's about people, not widgets." Narrative pedagogy recognizes the importance of stories in human experience and creates a learning environment where students can connect with the material and with each other. By using the best practices outlined above, educators in India can create an impactful and meaningful learning environment for their students.
As Paulo Freire once said, "Education does not change the world. Education changes people. People change the world." Narrative pedagogy is a powerful tool that teachers can use to empower their students to change the world by sharing their voices with the world. It fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
To ensure clarity and coherence, teachers should be intentional in selecting and delivering stories, making sure they are relevant and appropriate to the learning objectives and students' experiences. They should also create a safe and inclusive space where students feel comfortable sharing their stories and perspectives. By doing so, teachers can help their students develop the skills and confidence they need to become active and engaged citizens capable of positively impacting their communities and beyond.
In short, narrative pedagogy can transform the classroom into a dynamic and empowering learning space. It allows teachers to go beyond the mere transmission of information and engage with their students meaningfully and humanly, fostering empathy, understanding, and critical thinking. By embracing this approach, educators can inspire their students to become agents of change in the world, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives they need to make a positive difference.
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