Tendencias Pedagógicas (Oct 2015)
ANALYSIS OF A PROFESSIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHIC NARRATIVE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION
Abstract
Researchers in Educational Sciences have been looking into the experience of teachers to better understand their training, both as people and as professionals. Being aware that the narrative, as a memory retriever, is an important device to reflect about teaching career paths in higher education, we have conducted a study based on an autobiographical interview. Through the interviewing of one recently-retired professor, and more importantly by means of his own narrative, we were provided with information that allowed us to unravel the history behind his professional life; how he started his career, how he developed himself professionally, how he became the teacher he is today, what are his believes and conceptions about being a teacher. Other topics discussed were: teaching, pedagogical-didactical training, and teaching work. With this text we believe we are able to contribute to the debate on the importance and the possibilities brought by the use of the life stories method in ongoing teachers’ education.