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Abstract
Research shows that those who are incarcerated, as a whole, have come from difficult past environments. This leads to having a different way of learning than most others who have had successful educational experiences. Because of this, my research project focused on exploring storytelling/narrative, as a teaching strategy, and how it influences adult learning in a correctional facility. Three methods of research were used. As the first method, a formal literature review was prepared to obtain background information on storytelling, including past history and current use. Second, Wisconsin Department of Corrections professionals were interviewed to explore their teaching strategies and use of storytelling with offenders. The final element was a personal observation journal. In analyzing the data given, three themes emerged. These included connection between teacher and student, validation of student experience and student perspective. Connection between teacher and student was seen in the relationship between student and teacher in the classroom. Validation of student experience was shown in developing empathy for self and others and being able to see how past behavior influences present circumstances. Student perspective included learning to broaden and challenge the student's current perspective, issues related to changing thinking patterns, and approaches that involve reflection.
Introduction
"In other words, by now almost nothing that happens benefits storytelling; almost everything benefits Information. Actually, It Is half the art of storytelling to keep a story free from explanation as one reproduces it. . . The most extraordinary things, marvelous things, are related with the greatest accuracy, but the psychological connection of events Is not forced on the reader. It is left up to him to interpret things the way he understands them, and thus the narrative achieves an amplitude that information lacks.
Walter Benjamin
The aspiration and purpose to carry out this project on narrative began because of personal use of narrative with students within the Department of Corrections. It seemed important to employ new strategies to teach life skills, different ways of coping with life situations, and problem-solving. It was also of utmost importance to assist students in applying the skills they were learning into practical daily life. Based on prior research on the power of narrative in adult learning; storytelling showed to be a valuable teaching method in...