The power of digital storytelling | Emily Bailin | TEDxSoleburySchool

Summary

In this reflective and insightful piece, the speaker explores the concept of identity and belonging through the lens of the 'Where I'm From' project. Sharing personal experiences of growing up in a city full of contrasts, the speaker highlights the complexities of race, culture, and family. The project encourages students to reflect critically on their own origins, offering a space for vulnerability and connection. Through storytelling, both written and visual, the speaker demonstrates the power of self-exploration and how it fosters empathy and deeper relationships between educators and students.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Where I'm From' project encourages people, especially students, to reflect on their identities beyond geographical locations.
• 😀 The project emphasizes the power of storytelling in revealing personal experiences, fostering empathy, and building connections.
• 😀 The concept of 'Where I'm From' is about understanding deeper aspects of identity, including culture, family, and experiences, not just a place.
• 😀 The educator encourages students to explore their personal narratives, offering them a platform to express their backgrounds, struggles, and joys.
• 😀 Vulnerability and trust are crucial in the process, as students open up to share their stories and reflections on who they are.
• 😀 Digital storytelling, by adding visuals, voice, and music to written words, enhances the emotional depth and understanding of the stories shared.
• 😀 The educator's approach breaks down traditional teacher-student dynamics, allowing students to have agency and voice in their learning environment.
• 😀 Engaging with the 'Where I'm From' project can be a transformative process for both students and teachers, fostering mutual understanding and empathy.
• 😀 The practice of creating digital stories encourages students to think critically about their identities and the meanings behind where they're from.
• 😀 The project reveals that personal identity is fluid and can be complex, involving a mix of family, culture, societal influences, and personal choices.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's poem?

The central theme of the poem revolves around the concept of 'where I'm from,' focusing on personal identity, heritage, place, and the complexities of navigating cultural and geographical intersections.

How does the speaker describe their connection to the city?

The speaker describes a deep connection to the city, referencing the constant noise and rhythm of city life, including sirens, car horns, and freight trucks, while also acknowledging the emotional pull and disillusionment it brings.

What cultural influences does the speaker mention in the poem?

The speaker mentions cultural influences such as rugelach cookies, matzo ball soup, Christmas trees, and the aftermath of Ellis Island, pointing to a blending of Jewish and American traditions.

What role does storytelling play in the speaker's work as an educator?

Storytelling is central to the speaker's work as an educator, particularly in using the 'where I'm from' project to help students reflect on their identities and connect more deeply with each other, creating a sense of empathy and mutual respect.

Why does the speaker believe asking 'where are you from' can be a powerful question?

The speaker believes asking 'where are you from' can be powerful because it encourages individuals to reflect on their identities beyond just a geographical location, prompting a deeper exploration of personal and cultural history.

What does the speaker mean by the 'vicious cycle' in the poem?

The 'vicious cycle' refers to the speaker's experience of thinking they have everything figured out, only to question everything and feel uncertain again, highlighting the complexity of identity and the ongoing process of self-discovery.

What does the phrase 'hybridized identity' mean in the poem?

The phrase 'hybridized identity' refers to the speaker's effort to reconcile and strengthen multiple aspects of their identity, acknowledging the contradictions and intersections that make up who they are.

How does the speaker feel about the concept of diversity?

The speaker expresses a critical view of the concept of diversity, using air quotes around the word to suggest it has become a superficial or misunderstood term, detached from its true meaning and the complexities of identity.

What significance does the speaker place on visuals in storytelling?

The speaker highlights the importance of visuals in storytelling, noting how they can enhance understanding and emotional connection, making a story more powerful when combined with words and music.

What did the speaker learn from engaging in the 'where I'm from' project with pre-service teachers?

The speaker learned that the 'where I'm from' project helps create a sense of vulnerability and empathy, even among adults, and it allows them to connect with their students on a deeper level by sharing personal stories and experiences.