Using narrative inquiry to explore mathematics curriculum

Abstract

Curriculum can be interpreted broadly to include not only what is taught but how a subject is taught or enacted. Over recent years reflection has become an accepted practice as educators seek to develop their awareness about both what and how they teach. Narrative inquiry is one way in which educators can engage in such reflection. In this paper I describe narrative inquiry, briefly outline my own experience of how narrative inquiry supported a deeper exploration of my thinking about mathematics curriculum (the what and how), and propose that narrative inquiry is a valuable means to deepen one’s understandings of curricula.