Narratives and Fictions in Educational Research [Paperback]

In this bold and very important work, Peter Clough shows how the truths about educational issues can be told using fictional devices. This work legitimates the narrative turn in the human disciplines. He shows educational researchers how narrative inquiry can be used for progressive moral and political purposes . -
Norman K. Denzin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

This compelling book takes a fresh approach to educational research, considering the role and use of literary and ethnographic approaches. There is growing interest in the use of narrative and fictional methods and this book sets out to:

* locate narrative and fictional methods within the traditions of education research;

* exemplify the use of narrative in studies of educational and social settings;

* explain the processes of composing narrative and fictional research

A distinctive feature of the book is the inclusion of five 'fictional' stories which demonstrate the use of narrative in reporting research. Detailed discussion of these five stories shows how they were created from actual events and the varied role of the author in their creation. The methodological implications of such an approach are considered along with its potential merits and difficulties and its possible uses.Preface
The man with the blue guitar
Stories from educational research
an introduction
The map is not the terrain
Klaus
Molly
Rob
Bev
Lolly (the final word)
Hard to tell
the readings of the stories
Narratives of educational practice
To the things themselves
References
Index.
Before moving to the University of Sheffield, Peter Clough taught for many years in a number of mainstream and special schools as well as overseas. He is a core member of the Department's Inclusive Education courses. His teaching and research interests include: special and inclusive education policy, pupil experience, school curricula and teachers' careers.