Reflections on the Self and Others: The Use of Case Study and Self Narrative Analyses in Child and Adolescent Development Courses

• In Event: Self-Knowledge, Metacognition, and Motivation in Preservice Teacher Education

Abstract

This study examined perceptions of preservice teachers about the use of case studies and self narrative analysis in human development courses. Students wrote case study analyses prior to the construction of self narratives describing and interpreting significant events in their lives. Students also completed surveys reporting their perceptions of how these assignments influenced their self understanding and professional development. Analysis of self narratives showed that they used a variety of developmental concepts, theories and principles in their analyses. Survey results indicated that the analysis of case studies strongly affected both the construction and writing of self narratives and student interpretation of their narratives. Self narratives were very helpful to student self understanding and to their professional development as educators.

Authors

• Richard S. Brody, College of Saint Rose

• Katherine H. Voegtle, College of Saint Rose

• Marguerite G. Lodico, College of Saint Rose