Narrative Inquiry as Assessment Tool: A Course Case Study

In an effort to study assessment as an element in the scholarship of teaching, narrative inquiry was incorporated into a library media management course. Students electronically posted and shared reflections about three course-related critical incidents experienced that semester. A content-analysis matrix was developed to capture: source of conflict/program, source of support, resolution, and demographic information. Central management issues were: human relationships, resource management, and administrative details. The main sources of support were administrators and fellow teachers. Electronic journaling enabled students to: self-assess areas for improvement; and assess peers' situations and problem-solving approaches. Journals helped instructors to assess: 1) students' areas of concern; 2) how students solved critical issues; and 3) degree to which course content dealt with the critical events. The activity also fostered a sense of a community of practice, plus helped link academic coursework and field experience.