Christina a Schilling

Narrative Insights Christina a Schilling

This self-study research uses narrative inquiry and stories of experience to establish a format for understanding the creative process and the human dimension connected with teaching and learning. To me, true education allows us to grow within ourselves. By revisiting my past experiences in education, I am energized with fresh perspective and theoretical context, and I know that I am capable of determining moral direction in what I do as teacher in the classroom. Self-study research has helped me revitalize my being, and restore my sense of self. To embark on such a journey demands consciousness and commitment, for looking in the mirror holds no simple answer. Complexities are vast. The education system can, at times, be overwhelming and unforgivingly sterile, offering little opportunity to nurture the self as a teacher, or to nurture students as unique individuals. I hope that my self-study research can be of value to students and colleagues who, like me, may be struggling within a structured system to find value and meaning in developing their personal voice and creative expressiveness as the core of their educational experience.