Young People, Learning and Storytelling

by Emma Parfitt

Overview

This book explores the lives of young people through the lens of storytelling. Using extensive qualitative and empirical data from young people’s conversations following storytelling performances in secondary schools in the UK, the author considers the benefits of stories and storytelling for learning and the subsequent emotional, behavioural and social connections to story and other genres of narrative. Storytelling has both global and transnational relevance in education, as it allows individuals to compare their experiences to others: young people learn through discussion that their opinions matter, that they are both similar to and different from their peers. This in turn can facilitate the development of critical thinking skills as well as encouraging social learning, co-operation and cohesion. Drawing upon folklore and literary studies as well as sociology, philosophy, youth studies and theatre, this volume explores how storytelling can shape the lives of young people through storytelling projects. This reflective and creative volume will appeal to students and scholars of storytelling, youth studies and folklore.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030007515
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	11/20/2018
Series:	Palgrave Studies in Alternative Education
Edition description:	1st ed. 2019
Pages:	204
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x (d)

About the Author

Emma Parfitt is is an independent storytelling researcher, and the author of Seascape, a collection of short stories based on the enclosed research. Her research focuses on the importance of stories in education and how these in turn can shape who we become.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Setting the Stage
Chapter 2. Little Red Eats the Wolf: Storytelling Relationships
Chapter 3. The Repulsive Frog: Is It Possible to Escape Being Danced to Pieces?
Chapter 4. Who Ate My Heart? Storytelling and Emotion
Chapter 5. The Will of the Gods and Goddesses: Shaping or Disrupting the World Through Storytelling
Chapter 6. Burning the Candle Down

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This book is an exceptional study of how storytelling cannot only help us understand children’s experiences under difficult conditions, but also how children use storytelling to cope with problems facing them in their daily lives. Dr Parfitt has a firm grasp of the art of oral storytelling and interdisciplinary methods, and develops keen insights into the emotional behaviour of children as they tell and listen to stories. Her book is a significant contribution to the fields of childhood studies and folklore and will interest anyone concerned with improving relations with children in schools and at home.” (Jack Zipes, Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota, USA)

“Beautifully written, with imaginative metaphors from the stories themselves, she offers really accessible theory and vivid compelling accounts infused with the real voices and personalities of the young people themselves. This is not a manual, but something more precious, a guide to reflective practice to inspire teachers and storytellers practically in the classroom.”(Nicola Grove, Founder of OpenStoryTellers, UK)