Story studios: inspiring, creating and sharing stories of transformation
Subject
Abstract
Story Studios in Delta have three elements. First, a Story Studio is a place, a site of learning both inside and outside where learners experience hands-on exploration and use loose parts and story materials to tell learning stories. Second, Story Studio is a pedagogical approach, with foundations in relationships, identity, inclusion, and emergent curricula. It is a way of thinking about and interacting with learners, supported by the framework: Inspire, Create, Share. Third, Story Studio offers new ways of teaching and learning, inspiring personal and systemic transformation. This narrative inquiry deeply explored the lived experiences and stories of one intermediate class visiting the Story Studio over three field trip visits to learn about the process of transformation and the elements that support it. Primary data consisted of student learning stories that were shared during the field trip experiences and a student focus group discussion on the final day. Secondary data included educator interviews and researcher observations and reflections to add texture to the students’ voices. Data was qualitatively coded and learning stories were created. Place-based learning, Engagement, and Transformation emerged as major themes that were presented by layering student stories with photos, direct quotes, researcher observations, student focus group responses, and classroom educators’ interview responses. Story Studios were found to create transformation for both students and educators by designing opportunities to learn and reflect upon learning in new ways that were deeply connected to local places. Educators can bring themes of transformation into their classrooms and the places surrounding them inspired by Story Studios.