International Journal of Educational Narratives
Vol. 3 No. 5 (2025)

Teachers’ Life Stories as a Source of Pedagogical Innovation: A Narrative Inquiry into Professional Growth

Busnawir Busnawir (Universitas Halu Oleo)
Sobirin Sobirin (Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Al Qudwah, Depok)
Eva Syafaah Hasanah (Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Ar-Rosyid Surabaya)
Ahmad Yani (Sekolah Tinggi. Agama Islam Kharisma)
Zain Nizam (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background. Teachers’ personal life stories serve as valuable sources of pedagogical reflection and innovation, providing insight into how experience shapes teaching identity and practice. Purpose. This study aims to explore how teachers’ lived experiences contribute to their professional growth and pedagogical creativity.   Method. Using a qualitative narrative inquiry approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews and reflective journals from six teachers across different educational levels. Results. The findings indicate that, regardless of proficiency level, L1, FLCA, or Thematic analysis revealed three major dimensions of professional development: (1) autobiographical reflection as a catalyst for pedagogical innovation, (2) transformation of challenges into creative teaching strategies, and (3) emotional resilience as the foundation for professional identity reconstruction. Conclusion. The study concludes that narrative-based reflection enhances teachers’ awareness of their professional journey, enabling them to reinterpret personal experiences as a source of renewal in pedagogical practices.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijen

Publisher

Subject

Description

International Journal of Educational Narratives is an peer reviewed open access journal dedicated to interchange for the results of high quality research in all aspect of Learning and Education. The scope of International Journal of Educational Narratives is not only in the form of study, research, ...