Narrative Based Evaluation: Wording Toward the Light(185 Counterpoints)

This study introduces the theoretical notion of narrative based evaluation, its conceptual framework, its potential impact on assessment, and its place in educational discourse. Central to the author's philosophy is the belief that writing and sharing our storied lives has a transformational effect on people - a phenomenon that promotes personal healing and understanding. Narrative Based Evaluation includes the case studies of three individuals who believe there is great power and promise in storytelling as a way of coming to know ourselves and others.

About the Author :
The Author: Marsha Dianne Harrison received three degrees from Arizona State University: a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education; a Master's Degree in Secondary Education; and a Ph.D. Dr. Harrison has taught middle school for 23 years, mostly in the content area of Language Arts. She has served as Co-director of the Greater Phoenix Area Writing Project on the campus of Arizona State University since 1994. She is an active member of several professional organizations and educational honor societies. Dr. Harrison is currently a lecturer at Arizona State University, teaching undergraduate and graduate Education students.

Review :
Dr. Harrison presents a new way of looking at program evaluation by exploring deeply into the storied lives of her students, and indeed into herself. Her new approach impacts the educational professionals who are in positions to re-think curricula desgins for the twenty-first century. (Robert Gryder, Professor of Secondary Education, Arizona State University) In this insightful volume, Marsha Harrison has brought us a realistic way of evaluating learning through 'narrative based evaluation.' I can't think of a better way to assess outcomes of a writing curriculum than through narrative based evaluation. She uses autobiography, biography, and story to enlighten our assessment processes. In a very significant way, she gives us opportunity to learn narrative based evaluation by evaluat-ing her worn work as a writer, teacher, and researcher. This book will be of great assis-tance to qualitative, interpretative, arts-based, and mytho-poetic teachers, researchers, and writers. (Nelson L. Haggerson, Jr., Professor Emeritus, Arizona State University) This book reveals the power of narrative to transform and heal in an educational setting. Thus, educators in particular will find an alternative way of being teacher. Harrison invites teachers to see themselves as companions on the journey to understanding self and curriculum, to write so as to come to know themselves and others. However, the stories of personal reflection, growth, and courage provide inspiration for readers of any profession. Dr. Harrison writes with authenticity, sincerity, and warmth, inviting readers to wander with her as she explores the potency and potential of narrative based evaluation. (Mary Beth Spore, Assistant Professor of English, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg)