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

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Biographical and Documentary Research SIG Poster Presentations

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study how life histories invite students to interpret texts from experiential, cultural, social, and other stances and positionalities. Two main research questions framed the study: 1.) In what ways are comprehension of texts and understanding of characters deepened with life histories? 2.) How can the understandings students gain from “doing” life histories be transferred to understandings of real lives and lived experiences? Findings suggest that talk about story, collaborative writing and dramatic performances create empathy and a deeper understanding of difference. When readers take on the persona of other, when they write stories of other and perform their narratives, they develop an empathy and move beyond simply seeing others through their own lens.

Authors

• Marjorie E. Madden, Rowan University

• Susan Browne, Rowan University

• Valarie G. Lee, Rowan University