The objectives of the study presented is to explore innovative educational processes as part of the "Semel program" (Stories Lead to Success). The program is based on the principles of the narrative approach, which recognizes the power of the story humans tell about their life and its ability to shape and direct them, while translating this understanding into the educational-therapeutic act.

Design
The current research is based on the qualitative research paradigm in a case-study scheme.

Methods
The data was collected through a variety of qualitative and quantitative tools, among them: semi-structured, in-depth interviews, general observations, participant observations, field work and semi-structured summative feedback interviews. Life stories are used in this study as the subject of research and as one of the research's tools itself.

Results
The findings suggest that in general, the belief in the other’s ability to change starts with a process of self-belief, and specifically, they stress the circular connection between teachers' beliefs in themselves and their belief in their students. Furthermore, the findings show that by participating in the program, teachers can have a variety of experiences, which involve self-discovery and deep self-understanding, and later lead them to discover and understand the other.

Conclusions
The study presents the implementation of innovative theoretical ideas, which lead to the creation of a new, proactive language within the education system. Moreover, the study describes an “in-action narrative” within an educational field, which may contribute to theoretical and practical understanding of implementing a narrative theory in the educational field.

Authors:
Ronit kuriel, Kibbutzim College of Education, Israel

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. kuriel is a pedagogical instructor and lecturer at the Kibbutzim College of Education. The courses she teaches are dealing with qualitative methodology and narrative research. Her research interests are narrative in the educational field.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

Bookmark