Academics and students from across Departments at Bournemouth University told each other stories from their pasts based in objects that they presented to each other as gifts. Each partner then reported the shared story to the group using arts‐led presentation methods.
Narrative research and the qualitative interview are discussed. The conclusion is drawn that academics yearn to express the more emotive connections generated by listening to the stories of strangers.
The procedures followed for the two‐day workshop are outlined in order that other academics may also organize their own experiments in eliciting story using personal objects and retelling stories creatively.
Because the group wanted to take the impact of this experience further, AiR applied and was accepted to present the concept at the Social Research Association’s workshop ‘Creative Research Methods’ on 8 May at the British Library in London. The Collaborative is about to meet up to brainstorm ways in which to translate their experiences of the workshop into a more presentational one.
This just in! Feedback from London workshop:
The activity was as much about learning about the process and impact
of sharing stories triggered by personal objects, as about identifying a
potential new methodology.
· The initial decision of what to choose and share was anxiety-making; how personal an item, was it ‘good enough’ etc
· Fast and deep connections emerged
· Could be used in work with older people and people with dementia as a tool for researching memories
· The power of the visual - of using objects, of seeing the images projected has a greater impact than words
Small band of AiRheads who took project to London
(l. to r.) Anne Quinney, Maggie Hutchings, Caroline Ellis-Hill, Wendy Couchman, Michelle Cannon |