Frames and Stories
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Frames play a powerful part in how we understand and interpret the world around us. For example when we hear the word ‘nature’, subconsciously a bundle of different memories, emotions and values are activated. Such associations, often leading to strong narratives under the surface of our awareness, are called ‘frames’.
Placing frames in the centre of a Real World Learning experience has two significant purposes:
Imagine you are working on a stream keeping in mind the frame ‘Small changes can have a big impact’. Ask your learners to experience this idea; e.g. they might change the water flow by removing a stone. Encourage them to transfer this finding to other areas of their own life and to consider its relevance in terms of care for nature. Although the process of learning is quite open, you know where you are heading for and your learners feel that this outdoor experience might be much more meaningful for their lives than just ‘learning something about a stream’.
Frames are not just catchy slogans for the learning experience. They should go deeper, down to values for sustainability. When developing a frame it is important to keep in mind what bigger picture or story we wish to trigger and how this will resonate with the learners in their understanding of being a part of the system with which they are dealing. This will be determined by the values it promotes. Examples of this are given in the table below:
Frame |
Sustainability values |
Items of self-transcending values |
Key concept |
All taking requires giving back. (Reciprocation frame) |
respect for nature, respect for future generations |
universalism: unity with nature, a world at peace, social justice, wisdom, inner harmony, equality; benevolence: meaning in life, responsible, helpful, mature love |
Cycles |
In diversity is the preservation of life. (Diversity frame) |
respect for nature, equal opportunities for all people |
universalism: unity with nature, equality, a world of beauty, social justice |
Diversity |
Living on Earth means achieving balance. (Balance frame) |
equal opportunities for all people |
universalism: unity with nature, equality, inner harmony, social justice, wisdom; benevolence: mature love, a spiritual life, true friendship |
Self-regulation |
Survival involves the ability to align with changes. (Alignment frame) |
respect for future generations |
universalism: unity with nature, wisdom, broadminded; benevolence: forgiving, mature love |
Resilience |
Life can be enhanced if abilities are exchanged. (Exchange frame) |
equal opportunities for all people |
universalism: broadminded, equality, inner harmony, wisdom; benevolence: true friendship, mature love |
Symbiosis |
Small changes can have a big impact. (Butterfly frame) |
respect for nature |
universalism: wisdom, broadminded; benevolence: responsible |
Butterfly effect |
The sun powers us all. (Sunpower frame) |
respect for nature, equal opportunities for all people |
universalism: unity with nature, a world of beauty |
Energy flow |
Table 1 Connecting values and understanding by frames
Click here to read more about the use of frames in outdoor learning for sustainability.