The Analytic Narrative

An analytic narrative is the equivalent of a choreographic chart – things to do, how to do them and the order in which they are to be done. To build an analytic narrative for a problem, one must lay out the things required to solve the problem, in the order in which these things must be done, and how to do them.

Course Case Types and the Analytic Narrative

The testable cases in my course can be grouped into case types – groups of cases that are similar in terms of how they are solved. One can build an analytic narrative for each case type in my course, and these narratives can be very helpful in writing a good test. Understanding the case types and building analytic narratives for each case type can organize and streamline the process of preparing for a test.

The analytic narratives should form the core of your tool-sheets and can protect a student from panic during a test. Even in a panicked state, a student can follow the steps listed in a good narrative.

Contents of an Analytic Narrative

The Mathematical Part

Identify each step required to render the numerical solution of the case. Do this in both written (word) and algebra (symbols). Write this part as a step-by-step procedure.

The Writing Part

Identify each part of what is to be written, and the required or preferred formatting.

Shelf-life of an Analytic Narrative

Well-written narratives can help with final examination review – recalling older material is easier when you have a good narrative.