| Session Title: Story Bank: Learning through Story-telling |
| Demonstration Session 708 to be held in Carroll Room on Saturday, November 10, 9:35 AM to 10:20 AM |
| Sponsored by the Qualitative Methods TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Cassie Bryant, Cassandra Drennon & Associates, cassie@drennonassoc.net |
| Diane Monaghan, Cassandra Drennon & Associates, diane@drennonassoc.net |
| Abstract: The evaluators used an intranet website to gather data for an external evaluation of a statewide adult education program. Teachers at five pilot sites submitted weekly stories about their project-related experiences in the classroom. Using overhead projection, presenters will navigate attendees through the features of the website, showing how teachers used the site and how evaluators organized and analyzed resulting data. Handouts will include basic steps for creating a story bank, issues to consider, and examples of stories and logic models that emerged from the process. The concept, based on the change model of evaluation, became an action research project for teachers. Strengths included richer data collection and a deliberate mechanism for teachers to reflect on and advance their strategies. Weaknesses were teacher resistance to participating in the discussion board and lack of support from the state program coordinator. |