Contextualization

Theoretical Introduction

To begin, let's consider what a 'lived experience narrative' is. In simple terms, it is the narration of a personal experience. However, it has unique characteristics that differentiate it from other types of narratives. First, it is subjective and personal by nature, reflecting the narrator's perspective and emotions. It is also detailed and vivid, with the intention of allowing the reader to 'live' the experience through reading.

Second, it involves the use of the past, as the narrator is recounting something that has already happened. Third, it can be told in the first or third person, depending on whether the narrator is the protagonist of the story (first person) or is talking about someone else's experience (third person).

Finally, it is a highly flexible form of expression. It can be used to recount practically any type of experience, from an ordinary day to a significant event. It can also be used in any type of media, from writing to videos, podcasts, vlogs, etc.

Contextualization

Lived experience narratives are an important part of our daily lives. We share our experiences with friends and family, listen to others' experiences on social networks, read about other people's experiences in blogs, magazines, etc. We also use our personal experiences to form opinions on important issues, make decisions about what to do, or simply to better understand who we are.

In this sense, knowing how to narrate a lived experience is a fundamental skill. Furthermore, doing so reflectively and critically is an important form of self-awareness.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: 'Memory Paths - Experiences and Narratives'

Project Objective

This activity aims to assist students in exploring their own lived experiences and translating them into engaging narratives. Additionally, we propose that they explore the experience of reading third-party narratives and critically reflect on them. It is expected that this will enhance skills such as writing, critical reading, teamwork, and the use of multimedia tools.

Detailed Project Description

Groups of 3 to 5 students will have to work together to create a 'lived experience journal', composed of a variety of personal experience narratives and reflections on third-party narratives. This project should be carried out over 20 hours, divided throughout approximately one month. During this period, students should meet regularly, both in person and virtually, to plan, execute, and review their project.

Required Materials

• Notebooks and pens for notes
• Research materials (books, magazines, internet)
• Audio and video recording equipment (optional)
• Text and image editing software

Detailed Step-by-Step

1. Group Formation and Initial Planning (2 hours): Students should form their groups and discuss the main project outlines. At this stage, they will choose which personal experiences will be narrated and which third-party narratives will be analyzed.

2. Personal Experience Narratives (8 hours): Each student will be responsible for writing a detailed narrative of a significant personal experience. This narrative should be written, but students are encouraged to experiment with multimedia formats (audio, video, images) if desired.

3. Analysis of Third-Party Narratives (4 hours): Students should read, watch, or listen to third-party experience narratives (chosen during planning) and write a critical analysis of them.

4. Review and Compilation of the 'Lived Experience Journal' (4 hours): Students should compile their narratives and analyses into a 'journal' format. This journal can be digital or printed, but it must contain all the narratives and analyses, as well as a collective introduction and conclusion.

5. Preparation of the Final Report (2 hours): Finally, students must prepare a final report detailing the entire project process, from initial planning to final conclusions.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group must deliver the following:

1. 'Lived Experience Journal': This is the main project deliverable, containing all the personal experience narratives and analyses of third-party narratives prepared by the students.

2. Final Report: This report should contain, but not be limited to, four main sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used. The Introduction should contextualize the theme, its relevance and real-world application, as well as the objective of this project. The Development should explain the theory behind the project theme, detail the activity, indicate the methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained. The Conclusion should summarize the main points, explain the learnings obtained, and draw conclusions about the project. The Bibliography should indicate the sources that students relied on to work on the project, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.