At this point in the course, you have reviewed many important concepts and quest

At this point in the course, you have reviewed many important concepts and questions about education. You have explored the ways by which education systems are shaped. You have explored how education may be used as a tool for transforming our social landscape by welcoming diverse perspectives on the world. With all this new knowledge of discovery, in this module we are introduced to the notion of determining how all this new knowledge sits with your existing knowledge about education and your own learning experiences (in and out of school) to this point in your life. Therefore, for this assignment, you are invited to think about, identify, and write about a key/significant/meaningful/incisive/profound educational experience in or outside the classroom you experienced at any time during your life. You may be thinking and asking yourself why do I have to write a narrative? There are a number of reasons. First, as a writing intensive course, you are required (and invited) to explore a variety of writing genres. More importantly, perhaps, the narrative is important in understanding who we are as individuals and as a greater community. Our narratives reveal who we are and allow others to better understand our histories, experiences, and humanity. Narratives are essential and vital to our human connection and collective history. We construct internal narratives to help us make sense of the world. Storytelling, (which is another term for narrative), is a fundamental part of being human. Stories let us share information in a way that creates an emotional connection. They help us to understand that information and each other, and it makes the information memorable. Narratives allow people to not only find their voice but to use their voice for good, helping them to become experts in their own lives and to live in a way that reflects their goals and values. It can be beneficial for individuals, couples, and families. Narratives are powerful. Stories appeal to our senses and our emotions, not only drawing our attention more easily, but also leaving an impact on us as audiences. This makes storytelling powerful in delivering any message. If you deliver a story right, as evidenced throughout history, it might last a lifetime. The didacticization of information through alternative narratives promotes a unique experience for the user. The possibility of learning something through a narrative, can generate a connection and even identification between who is reading and the content that is being passed. Before the iPhone and email and DVDs and e-readers, when the working day was done our ancestors used to gather together around the fire and tell stories. They told of the adventures of the day, of their experiences and struggles. They shared ancient tales of wisdom and learning and folklore. Through the stories they made sense of their lives, created a shared sense of purpose and educated one another about their history and their destiny. These days, our storytelling methodologies have become more sophisticated and the community that we can share them with is now a global one. We are no longer limited to the faces joining us by the flickering fire. Instead, we can broadcast our knowledge, experience and perspective around the world, instantly, with the same message being shared and heard in Singapore, Russia, Brazil, Sweden and Ireland simultaneously. We can use video conferencing, email, blogging, the range of social media, etc. And yet the power of the story remains. We tell stories to our children to engage and entertain them but also to help them learn about the world around them. We tell stories to our friends on the golf course and in the pub as a way to regale them about our life and experiences. And we tell stories at work as a way to reinforce the culture or as cautionary tales or as ways to help people understand what is expected. Stories are a powerful and compelling way to transfer knowledge and information in a memorable way. Even as adults, we are transported into an alternative frame of mind through the experience of listening to a story. Stories provide meaning, and these tales and anecdotes help us to connect to the bigger picture.
Learning Objectives/Outcomes