NARRATION An Instructional Strategy DEFINITION Narration the symbolic

NARRATION An Instructional Strategy

DEFINITION: Narration: the symbolic presentation or a sequence of events connected by subject matter and related by time

FEATURES: v Gives meaning to our experiences and helps make sense of what is important v Gives structure to experience – order and coherence (not necessarily chronologically) v Promotes personal and social growth v Creates memories and is a way of retelling history within a culture v Narratives parallel the way people think v It is a ay of inquiring into human experience

ADVANTAGES: v Students are revealing their thoughts, experiences and impressions v It allows students to speak for him/herself v Allows students to work cooperatively v Personal thoughts and experiences can be expressed v Participation is visual, not just oral v It is an opportunity to use traditional stories v Develops creativity

DISADVANTAGES: v Oral narratives may limit participation in shy students v Distraction may cause students to get off topic v EAL students may become discouraged if they are unable to speak or write the narrative

IMPLEMENTATION: 1. Create a positive environment 2. Give everyone equal opportunity 3. Treat each others narratives with respect 4. Respect students wishes regarding the audience for their narratives 5. Treat personal information as confidential

ASSESSMENT: v Asses directly on the purpose of the narrative v Avoid criticizing the content or meaning of the narrative v Never comment using simple words or generic phrases v Never let the technical aspects take away from the purpose of the narrative

EXAMPLES: Types of narrative Corresponding activities v Letter v Beginning, middle, end v Journals worksheet v Formal stories v Mind map v Family stories v Return letter v Talking circles v Matching order in a sequence v Auto biographical accounts v Prompt questions v Reading a book