Narrative

The Latin root of narrative, narratio, means telling. It is considered a primary act of mind. Because the meaning of events is not given, we make sense of and construct meaning by imposing a certain form on experiences and events. In stories, events are connected in actual space and time. Stories can reveal the ambiguity of everyday situations and lived experiences. Stories also serve as vehicles in learning processes because they are open to social negotiation and dialogue. If evaluators listen to different stories and facilitate a dialogue about stories, a narrative approach to evaluation can enhance mutual understandings and promote democratic principles.