Historias de Vida y Teorías de la Educación: Tendiendo Puentes

In this paper I discuss life history approaches as research methodology, as educational tools, and as testimony. The discussion is placed within the context of economic globalisation and epistemological reshaping during the last few decades. Firstly, I analyze the research dimension of biographical perspectives. Secondly I point out the educational and testimonial dimensions of life histories in different settings such as teacher preparation and professional development, lifelong learning, genealogical and family work, educational auto/biography in a university context, historical memory, and popular education. Thirdly, I discuss some trends in educational theory and I outline some contributions of life history approaches to an educational theory grounded on critique and resistance.This paper offers a European perspective based on a review of relevant literature in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. Key words: life history, narrative, qualitative methodology, remembering, experiential learning, emotional education

Benthic Life Histories: Summary and Future Needs

The symposium indicated many ways in which greater knowledge of benthic life histories can be used to develop and improve techniques such as sampling, taxonomic methods, and bioassays. Benthic organisms' diet and physical environment, factors variable in nature, were shown to be capable of modifying certain life history features such as growth rate and voltinism. The lack of accumulated life history data and the need to tailor sampling schedules to life history events were commonly identified elements in the symposium. Future research needs included (1) basic data on benthic life history, (2) improved taxonomy of immature benthic invertebrates, and (3) understanding the entire life history of an organism in relation to the seasonal progression of its environment. Management implications of benthic life history information included more applicable data from long-term bioassays on all life history stages, and improved management of stream fisheries through habitat alteration to manipulate benthic production. Key words: life history, benthos, symposium