Narrative Inquiry as Relational Research Methodology and Andragogy: Adult Literacy, Identities and Identity Shifting

Authors

  • Sandra Jack-Malik Cape Breton University
  • Janet Lynne Kuhnke Cape Breton University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20360/langandlit29457

Abstract

Using narrative inquiry as a relational methodology and as andragogy, the research puzzle was to deepen understanding of the experiences of women, living with limited literacies and as they engaged in tutoring. This work animates the temporal, curriculum and life making experiences of a tutee and tutor within the context of adult literacy with a focus on learning to write. As the study progressed and as trust developed, tension filled stories were experienced, shared and reimagined. Thinking through the lens of Dewey’s continuity of experience we demonstrate the links between literacies, curriculum making, and efforts to shift identities. Field texts provided textured and nuanced descriptions of narrative inquiry as andragogy, while supporting the tutee to expand her literate identity and the tutor to become more relational. This work invites readers to reimagine the ways in which educators practice alongside adults who are described as struggling readers and writers.

Author Biographies

Sandra Jack-Malik , Cape Breton University

Sandra Jack-Malik is a tenure track, assistant professor in the Department of Education, School of Education and Health at Cape Breton University. Before beginning her tenure, she lived, and worked as a K-12 school administrator in northern Canada, alongside Aboriginal children, families, communities and educators. Sandra completed (2012) her doctoral work at the University of Alberta; she was supervised by D.J. Clandinin. She studied the lived experiences of women, self-identified as having literacies less than desired and how changes in literacies influence efforts to shift identities. She continues to work in this area; however, she is now researching youngsters, ages 8-10, who are not yet fluent readers. Sandra also facilitates and studies participants of the Kairos Blanket Exercises in efforts to contribute to the decolonizing of the academy. Sandra teaches English Language Arts methods courses to pre-service, Bachelor of Education Students and curriculum studies courses to in-service teachers.

Janet Lynne Kuhnke, Cape Breton University

Janet L. Kuhnke is a tenure-track, assistant professor in the baccalaureate-nursing program, School of Education and Health at Cape Breton University. Before coming to the academy, Janet lived and worked as a clinical nurse and educator in rural communities in British Columbia, alongside Aboriginal members and communities. Janet is active in Wounds Canada as a Nurse Specialist in Wound, Ostomy and continence care, and advocates for prevention of diabetes related foot ulcers and amputations. Janet completed her doctoral studies in psychology at California Southern University; Dr. Brandon Eggleston supervised her.

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Published

2020-07-15

How to Cite

Jack-Malik , S. ., & Kuhnke, J. L. (2020). Narrative Inquiry as Relational Research Methodology and Andragogy: Adult Literacy, Identities and Identity Shifting. Language and Literacy, 22(2), 43–63. https://doi.org/10.20360/langandlit29457