Sharing learning through narrative communication

This paper examines kev aspects of the learning experiences of ten speech a nd language therapy (SLT) students on clinical placements, as revealed by a n analysis of 102 narrative accounts. We argue that when students on placem ents tell stories of their learning experiences the process of recounting t hem can help them to reflect on and consolidate what they have learned and to have this learning validated by peer, clinician or tutor audiences. Thus , sharing learning through narrative communication is itself further learni ng from the original experience. We show how students evaluate their learni ng experiences, how their growing confidence is mediated by clinicians and how such narratives are shared in normal student interaction. Tutors might use the insights from narrative learning to raise students' awareness of th eir own learning, and thus to improve it.