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Reflective Essays

Vol. 22 No. 4

Exploring the Methodological Possibilities of Narrative Inquiry in Service-Learning: Reflections from a Recent Investigation

Submitted
January 6, 2019
Published
2019-01-06

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to argue for the use of narrative inquiry as a distinctive methodological approach in the study of college student experiences and outcomes in service-learning. The author reflects on a recent narrative study of college men in service-learning programs to highlight how narrative scholarship can illuminate the messiness and complexity of service-learning. A participant narrative from the recent investigation is utilized in order to highlight the key tenets of narrative inquiry. Suggestions for high-quality narrative scholarship in service-learning are also offered.