ABSTRACT
We have spent considerable time exploring the nature of interviewing in social and educational research. The range of interview types was discussed, focusing in particular on unstructured, informal approaches. The growth in the use of personal documentary sources in educational research, including autobiography, biography, letters, diaries and personal narratives in general warrants consideration since the teacher-researcher may well find these sources of considerable value. One such source of information is the life history produced via the life history interview. We will try to provide a context for understanding the emergence of personal documentary research in general and life history approaches in particular. This will be followed by a detailed overview of life history research and its use by teachers in school-based research.
