Life Histories Performances Show Complex Interactions Between Life Experiences and Larger Cultural Contexts

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: The Biographical and Documentary Research Poster Session

Abstract

This research argues that narratives, specifically literature and memoir, offer a way to build empathy and understanding by moving readers to deeper levels of text interpretation and critique. The research examines a new literacy framework, Life Histories, that uses talk, collaboration, writing, and performance to understand the complex relationships between character and cultural contexts. Life Histories are explored in three very different contexts: fifth grades, middle schools, and an undergraduate literacy course. Qualitative naturalistic research is used and data include student surveys, blogs, student transcripts, videotaped performances and life history scripts. This study argues for the power of Life Histories to gain a deeper understanding of self and a genuine empathy for others.

Authors

• Marjorie E. Madden, Rowan University

• Susan Browne, Rowan University

• Valarie G. Lee, Rowan University