Story telling is defined as a kind of journalistic documentation, based on directly observable referents, and used to contribute to an understanding of educational problems. In the area of educational research, story telling is part of the genre which includes case studies, ethnography, and ethnology. Story telling describes an environment in order to communicate a general understanding of a situation. Fieldwork is the essential ingredient in story telling. In educational research, fieldwork consists of familiarizing oneself with local institutions and organizations; talking to local officials and citizens; and particularly, communicating with school personnel and working in the school. The keys to successful fieldwork are the ability to listen; the mastery of interviewing techniques; acute observation skills; and facility at synthesizing information. Story telling, as an ethnographic approach, shows what is happening but does not necessarily reveal causes, and may not be the proper evaluation method if the purpose of the study is to prescribe change or to determine policy decisions. (MH)