"And Then This Student With Autism Walks In": Plot Arc as Innovative Application of Narrative

• In Event: 34.094 - Fairmont Royal York Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: 34.094-8 - Conducting Qualitative Research: Tools, Approaches, and Ways of (Re)Thinking Qualitative Research

Abstract

Exploring a narrative multiple case study is a daunting task, particularly when attempting to organize each narrative into something both meaningful and true to the participants’ experiences. A narrative multiple case study of five new secondary language arts teachers examined their perspectives of teaching literacy to students on the autism spectrum in mainstream language arts classes. The investigator problematized narrative inquiry as she struggled with arranging individual cases so that a story emerged for each. Being a former high school English teacher, she discovered that the plot arc allowed her to structure each case, from identification of characters and controversy, through exposition, triggering event, rising action, and toward a solution. The result was a distinct rich story for each case.

Author

• Laura D. Sabella, University of South Florida