Using artefacts in narrative pedagogies: A case from beginning teachers’ peer group meetings

Abstract

Artefacts can evoke stories. This article explores the use of artefacts in narrative pedagogies in the context of teachers’ professional development during the induction phase. The research question is: What kind of stories about beginning teachers’ work does the use of artefacts in narrative pedagogies evoke? The article is based on two peer group meetings in which nine Finnish teachers working in day care centres and primary schools participated. The findings illustrate how the use of artefacts offers an entrance into teachers’ daily routines, relationships and practices as well as how artefacts can become important actors in teachers’ classrooms. This article contributes to the emerging literature on the meaning of artefacts in educational practices and beginning teachers’ professional development. Additionally, the article contributes to the still not fully recognised potential that artefacts can have in narrative pedagogies in pre-service and in-service teacher education.status: Published onlin