1. LEARNING LIFE HISTORY: AN UNTAPPED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE Ellen Scully-Russ, Ed.D. GW Academy of Distinguished Teachers April 7, 2915

2. Tapping Biographical Resources Responsible for life plan Transitions & intentional learning Take a different attitude towards ourselves Identity Project Expansion of biographical options Intentional learning takes many forms Complex learning life histories Societal Implications Validation of options to enable new biographical action Build biographical competence Role of Educator

3. Influences European Life History & Biographic Research Dewey’s Progressive Organization of Subject Matter Education Biography

4. Life History: Biographicity (Alheit, 2009) Societal Marco- Structures & Conditions Subjectivity, Sense of Self, Dispositions Life Constructions Surplus Meaning Hidden References

5. Dewey’ Progressive Order of the Subject past present future Every experience is a moving force Find material for learning within experience & capability of learners Richer, more organized form of experience. Present problems that stimulate new ways of observation and judgment and make new demands on intelligent use of memory

6. Education Biography (Dominice, 2000) “….An approach to helping adult learners understand what they already know, how and why they learned in the past, and what motivates them to pursue new educational opportunities. ….Through the process of talking in groups and writing their histories participants can not only reflect on their learning experiences, but enhance their critical thinking, collaborate in their own educational journeys, and build their awareness of such situational influences as family, work, and community”.

7. Thank You for Your Interest