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1. c best, then b, then a, or any combination of these.

3. d best. b almost as good, a is a little self-protective and less communicative, c is defensive; I like it less.

1. Narrative teaching style is one in which:

   1. The teacher tells stories.

      True. But puts more emphasis on the teacher, when Habermasian discourse emphasizes the importance of giving each citizen a voice. Stories do help give context and so help us understand and remember better, but the emphasis should be on all taking part, not just the teacher.

   2. The student tells stories.

      True. Better answer than a because it recognizes the need for the student to be a functioning member of the interactive team. When the student tells stories a new context that the teacher may not know is added to the mix.

   3. We seek explicit awareness of the context in which data are collected or occur.

      Perhaps the best of the answers, since explicit awareness of context means that both teacher and students must attend to and share in the narratives. It is in the sharing of the mix that new contexts develop in which both student and teacher take part.

   4. Quantitative data are not included in the analysis.

      Not true. Qualitative narrative analysis does not exclude quantitative analysis; quantitative and qualitative analysis operate together to maximize our understanding and analysis. You can count the number of words that Whorf claims Apaches have for time and find that they have far fewer than we have in English. But unless you know the context, and know that Whorf never even saw an Apache, you are unlikely to know that his interpretation of language is wrong. Quantitative analysis must include valid qualitative understanding of measurement.

2. Define quantitative data in 25 words or less.

   Quantitative data is counting data, numerical data on which we can perform mathematical operations. Be sure to notice the measurement technique used in counting or collecting numerical data. That is where your common sense comes into play.

   You can count the number of words Eskimos have for snow. But, as shown by Laura Martin's 1986 article on the horrible hoax on Eskimo words for snow, you'd still be wrong because the original measurement was wrong, qualitatively wrong.

3. Narrative teaching requires that we listen "in good faith"

   1. So we can't be accused of unfairness.

      True, since one definition of good faith is being fair in the hearing of others' arguments. Students are members of this community, and should be heard in good faith.

   2. Because everyone should have a voice in the community.

      Good answer. Habermasian response. Habermas says that legitimacy requires that every citizen have some means of presenting his/her validity claims, i.e. a voice in the community. A community which includes students as members is not legitimate if students are not given a fair hearing for their claims and a voice in the community.

   3. To avoid pure rhetoric and sound bytes.

      When validity claims are not heard we tend to shout at each other in frustration, and to agree with the rhetoric that sounds good. Narrative teaching requires that teachers and students alike reason with one another, listen to one another, and make community decisions in the best interest of promoting the academic community as a whole -- that includes all students as well as all teachers. But the way the answer is worded makes it sound like the major concern is self-protection, disclaimers.

   4. Because we all play an interactive role in learning and teaching.

      Perhaps the best answer because interactivity is the best way of assuring roles and voices to all. This statement reflects the goals of narrative teaching.

4. Define "in good faith" in 25 words or less.

   In good faith means with an openness and respect granted to the voice of the other. It does not mean that you have to believe that what is said is "right," but that you listen actively, try to discern the arguments and reasoning, and help the other find the means to bridge any gaps in "hearing" many voices.

Jeanne.

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