David Bruner

Psychology

College of Science and Health Professions

Narrative Life History: Bridging the Gap from Abstract Concepts to Personal Learning in the Teaching of Psychology

As an instructor in the Psychology Department for the past 11 years, I have made use of Narrative Life History stories in the teaching of Psychology concepts in a wide variety of Psychology courses. Narrative Life Histories are first person narratives written by young adults who have dealt with many of the same life issues faced by our students. These stories have been useful in demonstrating psychological concepts. The stories are used in the context of writing assignments that require students to connect story material to psychological concepts being studied. Use of these stories has increased student completion of writing assignments, participation in small group discussions, knowledge of concepts as tested by standard testing procedures. Students also express strong interest in these stories.