Narrative Strategies in Career Education

Abstract

Constructivist thinking has provided a useful way to understand the way we think, act and feel. It has been influential in several fields but some careers areas have lagged in its practical application. Its proponents emphasise the interpretative nature of our actions and the storied nature of our lives. It is through their stories that “a window of opportunity” exists to help people to understand themselves and change aspects of their lives. This paper describes the use of constructivist approaches with groups and individuals. It suggests that there is a scope for greater use of constructivist-inspired strategies in career education and summarises some examples from secondary education. It proposes that a developmental sequence of narrative activities could be a useful addition to a career education program.