Difference between revisions of "Storytelling in Instructional Design"

Difference between revisions of "Storytelling in Instructional Design"

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{{Term|Story-telling in Instructional Design|
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{{Term|Storytelling in Instructional Design|
  
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Storytelling is a pedagogical tool used also in instructional design. It is an instructional tool with which designers deliver information dynamically as opposed to the conventional method where information is delivered statically.
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Storytelling can be a very powerful tool in learning design. Storytelling is one tool in the instructional design toolbox. It helps to understand how to act and react to certain situations. Stories engage our thinking, our emotions, and imagination all at once. They bring coherence to the chaos of information and experiences we are exposed to, organizing and connecting them in a meaningful way. This facilitates engagement, favoring attention, sense making, and action. Stories have the power to make a point more fascinating and memorable, adding credibility to an idea. As a story resonates with the listeners they are more comfortable to take in the message and act upon it.  
  
 +
The human brain is much more used to remember facts told in a narrative format than in a simply descriptive one because human beings are wired by stories.  As the authors of Influencer: The Power to Change Anything put it “Simply giving the take-away message of an experience often leaves people unmoved while telling the full story changes hearts and minds.”
  
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The designers outline stories with two main purposes:
+
Research has determined that our memory is organized in compartments. The sensory memory normally takes in all the informative stimulus, discharging just a portion considered to be useless. John Medina, author of Brain Rules says that “we do not pay attention to boring things. We get through them, but it’s not sinking in.” The short-term memory has very limited space. There is a scanning process where the brain will be looking for “connections” to facilitate storage in the long-term memory and later retrieval. Learning occurs only in the long-term memory. This is where information can be retrieved and acted upon. 
  
 +
Storytelling is an instructional tool with which designers deliver information dynamically as opposed to the conventional method where information is delivered statically. Since memory is the process of creating, storing and retrieving, the more we create relationships with the human nature the greater the chance the message being communicated will be retained. Stories influence attention, memory and decision-making.
  
−
1) to deliver information in a narrative way based on facts and experiences; and
+
 
 +
Learning designers normally use stories with two main purposes:
 +
 
 +
 
 +
1) to deliver information through a narrative that is based on facts and experiences, but which would be more difficult to retain if presented in a descriptive format (e.g. case study);
  
 
2) to assess the learning progress where the stories appear under the form of '''problem based''' or '''case based''' exercises.<ref>Problem based learning http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Problem-based_learning</REF><ref>Case based learning http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Case-based_learning#Instructional_Models</ref>
 
2) to assess the learning progress where the stories appear under the form of '''problem based''' or '''case based''' exercises.<ref>Problem based learning http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Problem-based_learning</REF><ref>Case based learning http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Case-based_learning#Instructional_Models</ref>
  
 +
Storytelling can provide variety in the learning experience and enhance the “chalk and talk” approach. They can be used at the very beginning of a sequence to gain the attention of the learner, in the middle when introducing a complex concept or at the end as a way to summarize information.<ref>When to Use Stories https://www.nyu.edu/faculty/teaching-and-learning-resources/strategies-for-teaching-with-tech/storytelling-teching-and-learning/when-to-use-stories.html</ref>
 +
 +
Stories engage our thinking, emotions, and imagination all at once. As listeners we participate in the story with both mind and body as we enter the narrative world and react to it. Storytelling is a human art form that teaches about the human experience.<ref>Storytelling in Teaching and Learning https://www.nyu.edu/faculty/teaching-and-learning-resources/strategies-for-teaching-with-tech/storytelling-teching-and-learning.html</REF>
 +
 +
It bonded the early human communities, giving children the answers to the biggest questions of creation, life, and the afterlife. Stories define us, shape us, control us, and make us. Not every human culture in the world is literate, but every single culture tells stories.<ref>Why Storytelling in the Classroom Matters https://www.edutopia.org/blog/storytelling-in-the-classroom-matters-matthew-friday</REF>
  
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Common traits of the two are: they are learner-centered, require collaboration and cooperation between the learners and aim to solve real life problems.
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"Our wisdom, our intuitive knowing is imbedded in the stories we tell. Storytelling is the oldest form of communication. The first thing people do upon meeting each other is begin telling stories. According to brain/mind research, we organize information in story form. It is how we make sense of the world around us. And it is how we communicate that understanding to another. Stories allow us to bypass the linear and access whole brain learning."<ref>Learning and Growing Through Stories http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/lifelonglearning/early-childhood/learning-growing</REF>
  
  
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Stories can be great ways of presenting instruction to learners:
+
Stories have also the feature to remain in long term memory and help to solve everyday problems, ensure survival, and pass on this wisdom to other generations. For all these reasons they can be great ways of presenting instruction to learners. In particular because:  
  
 
• Humans are wired to stories;
 
• Humans are wired to stories;
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• It helps us connect our own lives with stories;
 
• It helps us connect our own lives with stories;
  
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• We remember good stories.
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• We remember good stories;
  
 +
• Inspires purposeful talking, and not just about the story-there are many games you can play;
  
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A story should challenge, stimulate thinking, create emotional resonance, and live on in the minds of its readers.<ref>Storytelling http://www.comet.ucar.edu/presentations/DesignasStorytellingWebVersionv2PatParrish.htm</ref>}}
+
• Raises the enthusiasm for reading texts to find stories, reread them, etc;
  
 +
• Initiates writing because children will quickly want to write stories and tell them;
  
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{{Tool|Outlining a story|
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• Enhances the community in the room;
 +
 
 +
• Improves listening skills.
 +
<ref>Why Storytelling in the Classroom Matters https://www.edutopia.org/blog/storytelling-in-the-classroom-matters-matthew-friday</ref>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
'''How ordinary learning design compares with storytelling for learning?'''
 +
 
 +
{|border=1; width= 100%
 +
!width= 200pt|Learning Design
 +
!width= 575pt|Storytelling
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|Learning Strategy
 +
|Plot
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|Objectives
 +
|Moral of the story
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|Instructors, moderators, facilitators
 +
|Characters
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|Break components into pieces
 +
|Holistic approach: all is integrated
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|Simply put the learner in the middle of the content: to learn
 +
|Contextualize the situation, creates scenes and drives the learner’s imagination, engaging it to construct meaning and learn.
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|Tell stuff the learner need to learn and keep reinforcing it to make sure it is retained.
 +
|Establish connections through emotions to retain attention, construct meaning and act upon when it is needed.
 +
 
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
{{Tool|How to create an effective story|
 +
 
 +
The most important thing is to keep it simple! When you begin to compose a storyline it is important to focus on just one main concept at a time. You don’t need to convey all the information. Isolate the key points you want the learner to remember and concentrate on correlations. What is the most important point for the learner to walk away with? The answer is the message, write it up, keeping it simple.
 +
 
 +
'''1. Analyze the content''': select what content you will develop. Telling good stories means having good stories to tell. Look for : anecdotes, historical narratives, case studies, allegories, thought experiments. These are great places to start.
 +
 
 +
'''2. Grab learners’ attention''': maintain the attention of the learners focused. You can do this by opening the story with a hook. A hook is a surprising element, an interesting incident, question, or problem that encourages the learners to keep paying attention.<ref>How to Create an Effective Story https://www.nyu.edu/faculty/teaching-and-learning-resources/strategies-for-teaching-with-tech/storytelling-teching-and-learning/how-to-create-an-effective-story.html</ref>  Keep J. Medina in mind: we don’t pay attention to boring things!
 +
 
 +
'''3. Stimulate curiosity and imagination''': A story should challenge, stimulate thinking, create emotional resonance, and live on in the minds of the readers/listeners. 
  
  
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         '''Step 2. Design: Design the plot of the story.'''
 
         '''Step 2. Design: Design the plot of the story.'''
  
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•     Introduction: How do we relate the instructional story to their own lives?
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•     Draft a script. It doesn’t need to be a detailed one, but needs to present the key outline.
 +
Introduction: How do we relate the instructional story to their own lives?  
  
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•     Escalating action: the information is delivered progressively starting with the most basic concepts and ending with the most complex ones. The modules need to be scaffolded.
+
•     Escalating action: the information is delivered progressively starting with the most basic concepts and ending with the most complex ones. The modules need to be scaffolded.  
  
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•     Climax (the peak): assessment activities should challenge the learners in accordance with what has been previously provided engaging the learners in critical thinking.
+
•     Climax (the peak): assessment activities should challenge the learners in accordance with what has been previously provided engaging the learners in critical thinking.  
  
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•     Resolution: provide learners support to transfer the information provided into their lives. At the end they have to see the relevance of the training they have been provided with.
+
•     Resolution: provide learners support to transfer the information provided into their lives. At the end they have to see the relevance of the training they have been provided with.  
  
 
         '''Step 3. Development/Implementation/Evaluation:'''
 
         '''Step 3. Development/Implementation/Evaluation:'''
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•     Hand out the story for reviewers to see the story from the eyes of the audience.
 
•     Hand out the story for reviewers to see the story from the eyes of the audience.
 +
 +
 +
'''STORY '''
 +
 +
 +
• Your main character(s) need to relate to your learner. They should care about them.
 +
 +
• What is the theme of your story? Where does it take place? 
 +
 +
• Who is the main person or character in the story?
 +
 +
• Who are the supporting characters?
 +
 +
• Know where the end is from the start, this will help you focus. You don’t want the listener to be distracted from understanding the central theme or message.
 +
 +
• Create a timeline working backwards from the end to start. Think about what comes right before the end and keep working backwards until the beginning of your story. 
 +
 +
'''TIPS '''
 +
 +
 +
• Check your facts: dates, locations. If you are going to relate on date consider that it should not be time sensitive if you want your production to have a lifespam (e.g. a video animation);
 +
 +
• Length: The attention span is short. Keep videos/animations under 4 minutes.
 +
 +
• Audience: Make sure is are speaking globally, both geographically and culturally.
 +
 +
• Video/animations: What will make them successful will happen before you ever record or script. It is what content you will record in the first place.
 +
 +
•Telling good stories means having good stories: Look for anecdotes, historical narratives, real case studies, for example.
 +
 +
 +
 +
 
   
 
   
 
<ref>Storytelling and Instructional Design http://instructionaldesignfusions.wordpress.com/2010/07/13/the-instructional-designer-as-storyteller/</ref><ref>Instructional Design https://instructionaldesignfusions.wordpress.com/category/instructional-design-approaches/digital-storytelling/ </ref>
 
<ref>Storytelling and Instructional Design http://instructionaldesignfusions.wordpress.com/2010/07/13/the-instructional-designer-as-storyteller/</ref><ref>Instructional Design https://instructionaldesignfusions.wordpress.com/category/instructional-design-approaches/digital-storytelling/ </ref>
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'''See also:''' [[Instructional Design|Instructional Design]], [[Problem-based learning|Problem-based learning]], [[Case-based learning|Case-based learning]], [[ADDIE|ADDIE]]}}
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'''See also:''' [[Storytelling]], [[Instructional Design|Instructional Design]], [[Problem-based learning|Problem-based learning]], [[Case-based learning|Case-based learning]], [[ADDIE|ADDIE]]}}
  
  
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!width= 200pt|Document
 
!width= 200pt|Document
 
!width= 575pt|Content
 
!width= 575pt|Content
 +
 
|-  
 
|-  
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|[http://info.shiftelearning.com/Portals/159642/docs/VF-Ultimate%20DIY%20Guide%20to%20eLearning%20Design.pdf The Ultimate DIY Guide to eLearning Design]
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|[[Media:how_people_learn.pdf|How people learn]]
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|This eBook is for everyone that needs or wants to start creating better and more effective eLearning courses. Learn how you (a non-designer) can create amazing eLearning screens following the guidelines and tips this eBook provides.  
+
|This infographic explains the brain's learning process. It explains in a visual way the transition from the sensory memory to learning and the main factors involved.
 +
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
|[[Media:Designing_e-learning_UNHCR.pdf‎|Instructional design for e-Learning]]
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|[[Media:Elements-of-a-story.jpg|The main elements of a story]]
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|This resource makes readers aware of key factors that need attention when designing e-Learning materials in the form of self-paced and distance learning materials that require computer usage.
+
|This infographic shows what are the main elements that should be used to create a story.
−
|-
+
 
−
|[[Media:Course_Design_Checklist.pdf‎|Course Design Checklist]]
+
|-  
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|Checklist suggested by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). This checklist contains all the elements to be considered and regarded at when working on the instructional design of a course.
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|[[Media:storytelling2.png|What is storytelling?]]
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|-
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|This infographic explains some very brief points on the connection between storytelling and learning.  
−
|[[Media:Training_Program_Checklist.pdf‎|Training Program Checklist]]
+
 
−
|Checklist suggested by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). Similar to the previous document, this checklist contains all the elements to be considered and regarded at when working on the instructional design of a programme.
+
|-  
−
|-
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|[[Media:Example.png|Storytelling techniques]]
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|[[Media:Guide_for_Designing_and_Developing_e-Learning_Courses_FAO.pdf|e-Learning Methodologies]]
+
|This infographic highlights some of the storytelling techniques. It is based on the article<ref>8 classic storytelling techniques http://www.sparkol.com/engage/8-classic-storytelling-techniques-for-engaging-presentations/</ref> taken from the website Sparkol.com
−
|A guide prepared by FAO for designing and developing e-Learning courses. The purpose is to provide detailed guidance to trainers and instructional designers who are new to e-Learning design.
+
−
|-
+
−
|[[Media:E-learning_guide_FAO_in_French.pdf|Méthodologies pour le développement de cours e-learning]]
+
−
|Une guide par la FAO pour concevoir et élaborer des cours d'apprentissage en ligne.
+
−
|-
+
−
|[[Media:62_Tips_for_Effective_eLearning_Instructional_Design.pdf|62 Tips for Effective eLearning Instructional Design]]
+
−
|Free digital eBook from The eLearning Guild on the success eLearning projects, which rests primarily on effective instructional design, not on any mix of technologies.
+
 
|}
 
|}
  
  
  
−
{{Addlink|Below you have a list of resources that provide additional information on different aspects of Instructional Design.}}
+
{{Addlink|Below you have a list of resources that provide additional information on different aspects of Storytelling.}}
 
{|border=1; width= 100%
 
{|border=1; width= 100%
 
!width= 200pt|Link
 
!width= 200pt|Link
 
!width= 575pt|Content
 
!width= 575pt|Content
 +
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[http://tinyurl.com/nrclwpw 10 Must-Reads Before Creating Your First Course]                                                
+
|[https://vimeo.com/191960985?utm_source=email&utm_medium=vimeo-cliptranscode-201504&utm_campaign=28749 The Basarwa’s right to water and livelihood in Botswana]
−
|Don't know where to start to create an e-Learning course? Here are some indispensable reads to the basics of creating winning eLearning courses.  
+
(Video, 4 minutes)
 +
|This short video has been addressed in the course "Human Rights and Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development" and gives a good example of application of the storytelling techniques.  
 +
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[http://elearningindustry.com/top-instructional-design-trends-and-outlook-for-2014 Top Instructional Design Trends and Outlook for 2014]
+
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz5Kff9Fq5o&t=17s  The Endorois community of Kenya and their right to development - Episode 1]
−
|a rish article on the instructional design trends and outlooks and combining the use of instructional technology with effective communication skills.
+
 
 +
(Video, 4.01 minutes)
 +
| This video is the 1 episode of the story of the Endorois community of Kenya and has been used in the "Human Rights and Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development" course to give the possibility to reflect on some of the main topics of the course. It's a good example of application of storytelling for learning.
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOpNhgoVLTM&feature=player_embedded Getting more from e-Learning]
+
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j5E8-OvtK4&t=2s  The Endorois community of Kenya and their right to development - Episode 2]
−
(Video, 30 minutes)
+
 
−
|This is an excerpt from the presentation of Bryan Hopkins about concepts and guidelines for adult learning and e-Learning held at the UNITAR Headquarters in Geneva, 6 April 2011.  
+
(Video, 3.55 minutes)
−
|-
+
| This video is the 2 episode of the story above.  
−
|[http://www.bryanhopkins.co.uk/learning_design/index.html Designing learning materials]
+
 
−
|Bryan Hopkins' personal website guides readers on the process of designing learning materials based on his experience and skills in the fields of learning design and training.
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[http://unitar.org/ksi/sites/unitar.org.ksi/files/Getting_more_from_e-Learning.ppsx Getting more from e-Learning]
+
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkIAoVfbv-4&t=7s The Endorois community of Kenya and their right to development - Episode 3]
−
(Slideshow, right click and open in New Tab)
+
 
−
|The presentation of Bryan Hopkins about concepts and guidelines for adult learning and e-Learning held at the UNITAR Headquarters in Geneva, 6 April 2011. (To open the file, right click and select Open in a New Tab.)
+
(Video, 2.22 minutes)
 +
| This video is the 3 episode of the story above.  
 +
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[http://my.brainshark.com/Storyboarding-Strategies-for-Effective-e-Learning-744719573  Storyboarding Strategies for Effective e-Learning]   
+
|[http://articulate.demos.s3.amazonaws.com/HDS_Social_Media/story.html  Social Media Guidelines at Hitachi Data Systems]   
 +
 
 +
(Video)
 +
| This video of Hitachi Data Systems Academy gives a good example of how storytelling has been used to explain the correct use of social media.
  
−
(Video, 10 minutes)
 
−
|Storyboards are the blueprints for e-learning courses. They define all aspects of the training so you can reach a consensus on the design before investing in the development. In this short course, you will learn why it’s important to develop storyboards; the components of an effective storyboard; your roles and responsibilities as a storyboard developer; and some tips for writing storyboards.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[http://www.slideshare.net/kernlearningsolutions/assessments-in-e-learning Assessments in e-learning]
+
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBHduvH0gzU  Programme Ibtikari -Sauvons le tourisme algerien-]  
  
−
(Slideshow)
+
(Video, 6.43 minutes)
−
|This slideshow presents some of the basic concepts related to the development of good learning objectives and to the importance of measuring learning. It also presents different types of assessment.
+
| This video has been used as a hook for a training workshop on entrepreneurship development. It's an introduction to engage the participants with the main assignments they would have through the workshop.
−
|-
+
−
|[http://my.brainshark.com/Accelerated-Learning-The-Extreme-Training-Makeover-222492785 Accelerated Learning: The Extreme Training Makeover]
+
−
(Video, 22 minutes)
+
−
|This video is an introduction to the concept of Accelerated Learning (AL), a system for speeding up and enhancing both the training design and the learning process. It touches upon fundamental concepts of instructional design, such as the importance of social interaction and the fact that a learning process is not sequential.
+
−
|-
+
−
|[http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1ZQkhl/instructionaldesignbyexample.com/ Instructional Design by Example]
+
−
|Website which offers examples of e-learning courses from multiple sources. It aims at providing inspiration along with details instructional designers need when planning, designing, developing, and delivering instructional content.
+
−
|-
+
−
|[http://itdl.org/Journal/Oct_04/article04.htm How to Teach Like a Pro!]
+
−
|This paper summarizes some of the best ideas and practices gathered from successful online instructors and recent literature.
+
−
|-
+
−
|[http://www.fgcu.edu/onlinedesign/Intro.html#purpose Principles of Online Design]
+
−
|This document provides a resource to institutions who are designing online instructional materials. It aims at providing a set of principles for using technology as an instructional tool.
+
−
|-
+
−
|[http://capacitydevelopmentindex.pbworks.com/f/WBI_Learning+Design+Model.pdf  WBI Learning Design Process]
+
−
|This document contains the learning design process illustrated by the Word Bank Institute. Five main steps for learning design are identified, going from the definition of outcomes and objectives, to the identification of methods, the selection of tools, the assembling of the programme and finally the evaluation of the tool. For each of these fundamentals steps, additional information is provided.
+
−
|-
+
−
|[http://www.growthengineering.co.uk/category/instructional-design/ Instructional Design on Growth Engineering]
+
−
|Articles on two instructional design methodologies 1- The Discovery Method, 2 - Game Changer.
+
−
|-
+
−
|[http://pinterest.com/click4it/instructional-design/ Pinterest Board on Instructional Design]
+
−
(Infographics)
+
−
|Check out Click4it's Pinterest Board on Instructional Design and discover more about Instructional Design!
+
 
|}
 
|}
  

Latest revision as of 12:48, 29 November 2016

Term2.png Storytelling in Instructional Design

Storytelling can be a very powerful tool in learning design. Storytelling is one tool in the instructional design toolbox. It helps to understand how to act and react to certain situations. Stories engage our thinking, our emotions, and imagination all at once. They bring coherence to the chaos of information and experiences we are exposed to, organizing and connecting them in a meaningful way. This facilitates engagement, favoring attention, sense making, and action. Stories have the power to make a point more fascinating and memorable, adding credibility to an idea. As a story resonates with the listeners they are more comfortable to take in the message and act upon it.

The human brain is much more used to remember facts told in a narrative format than in a simply descriptive one because human beings are wired by stories. As the authors of Influencer: The Power to Change Anything put it “Simply giving the take-away message of an experience often leaves people unmoved while telling the full story changes hearts and minds.”

Research has determined that our memory is organized in compartments. The sensory memory normally takes in all the informative stimulus, discharging just a portion considered to be useless. John Medina, author of Brain Rules says that “we do not pay attention to boring things. We get through them, but it’s not sinking in.” The short-term memory has very limited space. There is a scanning process where the brain will be looking for “connections” to facilitate storage in the long-term memory and later retrieval. Learning occurs only in the long-term memory. This is where information can be retrieved and acted upon.

Storytelling is an instructional tool with which designers deliver information dynamically as opposed to the conventional method where information is delivered statically. Since memory is the process of creating, storing and retrieving, the more we create relationships with the human nature the greater the chance the message being communicated will be retained. Stories influence attention, memory and decision-making.


Learning designers normally use stories with two main purposes:


1) to deliver information through a narrative that is based on facts and experiences, but which would be more difficult to retain if presented in a descriptive format (e.g. case study);

2) to assess the learning progress where the stories appear under the form of problem based or case based exercises.[1][2]

Storytelling can provide variety in the learning experience and enhance the “chalk and talk” approach. They can be used at the very beginning of a sequence to gain the attention of the learner, in the middle when introducing a complex concept or at the end as a way to summarize information.[3]

Stories engage our thinking, emotions, and imagination all at once. As listeners we participate in the story with both mind and body as we enter the narrative world and react to it. Storytelling is a human art form that teaches about the human experience.[4]

It bonded the early human communities, giving children the answers to the biggest questions of creation, life, and the afterlife. Stories define us, shape us, control us, and make us. Not every human culture in the world is literate, but every single culture tells stories.[5]

"Our wisdom, our intuitive knowing is imbedded in the stories we tell. Storytelling is the oldest form of communication. The first thing people do upon meeting each other is begin telling stories. According to brain/mind research, we organize information in story form. It is how we make sense of the world around us. And it is how we communicate that understanding to another. Stories allow us to bypass the linear and access whole brain learning."[6]


Stories have also the feature to remain in long term memory and help to solve everyday problems, ensure survival, and pass on this wisdom to other generations. For all these reasons they can be great ways of presenting instruction to learners. In particular because:

• Humans are wired to stories;

• We pay attention to stories and want to know the ending;

• It helps us connect our own lives with stories;

• We remember good stories;

• Inspires purposeful talking, and not just about the story-there are many games you can play;

• Raises the enthusiasm for reading texts to find stories, reread them, etc;

• Initiates writing because children will quickly want to write stories and tell them;

• Enhances the community in the room;

• Improves listening skills. [7]

How ordinary learning design compares with storytelling for learning?

Learning Design Storytelling
Learning Strategy Plot
Objectives Moral of the story
Instructors, moderators, facilitators Characters
Break components into pieces Holistic approach: all is integrated
Simply put the learner in the middle of the content: to learn Contextualize the situation, creates scenes and drives the learner’s imagination, engaging it to construct meaning and learn.
Tell stuff the learner need to learn and keep reinforcing it to make sure it is retained. Establish connections through emotions to retain attention, construct meaning and act upon when it is needed.



Toolkit.png How to create an effective story

The most important thing is to keep it simple! When you begin to compose a storyline it is important to focus on just one main concept at a time. You don’t need to convey all the information. Isolate the key points you want the learner to remember and concentrate on correlations. What is the most important point for the learner to walk away with? The answer is the message, write it up, keeping it simple.

1. Analyze the content: select what content you will develop. Telling good stories means having good stories to tell. Look for : anecdotes, historical narratives, case studies, allegories, thought experiments. These are great places to start.

2. Grab learners’ attention: maintain the attention of the learners focused. You can do this by opening the story with a hook. A hook is a surprising element, an interesting incident, question, or problem that encourages the learners to keep paying attention.[8] Keep J. Medina in mind: we don’t pay attention to boring things!

3. Stimulate curiosity and imagination: A story should challenge, stimulate thinking, create emotional resonance, and live on in the minds of the readers/listeners.


Using storytelling to deliver information in the instructional design process implies following few steps, also known as the ADDIE model: design as storytelling 

       Step 1. Analyse:

• Identify the conflict: consists in identifying the problem that needs to be solved to achieve the performance wanted.

• Getting to know the learners: Who are the learners? How does one of their day to day lives look like?

• Consider the learners’ environment.

• Decide the form of the story: What kind of story shall be used? A fictional story? A longer story? What multimedia supporting elements should the story include? 


       Step 2. Design: Design the plot of the story.

• Draft a script. It doesn’t need to be a detailed one, but needs to present the key outline. Introduction: How do we relate the instructional story to their own lives?

• Escalating action: the information is delivered progressively starting with the most basic concepts and ending with the most complex ones. The modules need to be scaffolded.

• Climax (the peak): assessment activities should challenge the learners in accordance with what has been previously provided engaging the learners in critical thinking.

• Resolution: provide learners support to transfer the information provided into their lives. At the end they have to see the relevance of the training they have been provided with. 

       Step 3. Development/Implementation/Evaluation:

• These three stages take place almost simultaneously when creating an instructional story. Evaluate the objectives, design and instructional methods constantly throughout the development and implementation phase.

• Keep only the content that supports the plot (need-to-know content).

• Answer the questions: What facts, concepts and principles could support the learners in solving their real life problems? Did you provide them with the big picture? In other words: do they know the context?

• Hand out the story for reviewers to see the story from the eyes of the audience. 


STORY


• Your main character(s) need to relate to your learner. They should care about them.

• What is the theme of your story? Where does it take place?

• Who is the main person or character in the story?

• Who are the supporting characters?

• Know where the end is from the start, this will help you focus. You don’t want the listener to be distracted from understanding the central theme or message.

• Create a timeline working backwards from the end to start. Think about what comes right before the end and keep working backwards until the beginning of your story. 

TIPS


• Check your facts: dates, locations. If you are going to relate on date consider that it should not be time sensitive if you want your production to have a lifespam (e.g. a video animation);

• Length: The attention span is short. Keep videos/animations under 4 minutes.

• Audience: Make sure is are speaking globally, both geographically and culturally.

• Video/animations: What will make them successful will happen before you ever record or script. It is what content you will record in the first place.

•Telling good stories means having good stories: Look for anecdotes, historical narratives, real case studies, for example.



[9][10]


See also: Storytelling, Instructional Design, Problem-based learning, Case-based learning, ADDIE


MATERIAL.png Additional Materials
Document Content
How people learn This infographic explains the brain's learning process. It explains in a visual way the transition from the sensory memory to learning and the main factors involved.
The main elements of a story This infographic shows what are the main elements that should be used to create a story.
What is storytelling? This infographic explains some very brief points on the connection between storytelling and learning.
Storytelling techniques This infographic highlights some of the storytelling techniques. It is based on the article[11] taken from the website Sparkol.com


Link icon.png Web Resources
Below you have a list of resources that provide additional information on different aspects of Storytelling.
Link Content
The Basarwa’s right to water and livelihood in Botswana

(Video, 4 minutes)

This short video has been addressed in the course "Human Rights and Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development" and gives a good example of application of the storytelling techniques.
The Endorois community of Kenya and their right to development - Episode 1

(Video, 4.01 minutes)

This video is the 1 episode of the story of the Endorois community of Kenya and has been used in the "Human Rights and Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development" course to give the possibility to reflect on some of the main topics of the course. It's a good example of application of storytelling for learning.
The Endorois community of Kenya and their right to development - Episode 2

(Video, 3.55 minutes)

This video is the 2 episode of the story above.
The Endorois community of Kenya and their right to development - Episode 3

(Video, 2.22 minutes)

This video is the 3 episode of the story above.
Social Media Guidelines at Hitachi Data Systems

(Video)

This video of Hitachi Data Systems Academy gives a good example of how storytelling has been used to explain the correct use of social media.
Programme Ibtikari -Sauvons le tourisme algerien-

(Video, 6.43 minutes)

This video has been used as a hook for a training workshop on entrepreneurship development. It's an introduction to engage the participants with the main assignments they would have through the workshop.





References

  1. ↑ Problem based learning http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Problem-based_learning
  2. ↑ Case based learning http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Case-based_learning#Instructional_Models
  3. ↑ When to Use Stories https://www.nyu.edu/faculty/teaching-and-learning-resources/strategies-for-teaching-with-tech/storytelling-teching-and-learning/when-to-use-stories.html
  4. ↑ Storytelling in Teaching and Learning https://www.nyu.edu/faculty/teaching-and-learning-resources/strategies-for-teaching-with-tech/storytelling-teching-and-learning.html
  5. ↑ Why Storytelling in the Classroom Matters https://www.edutopia.org/blog/storytelling-in-the-classroom-matters-matthew-friday
  6. ↑ Learning and Growing Through Stories http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/lifelonglearning/early-childhood/learning-growing
  7. ↑ Why Storytelling in the Classroom Matters https://www.edutopia.org/blog/storytelling-in-the-classroom-matters-matthew-friday
  8. ↑ How to Create an Effective Story https://www.nyu.edu/faculty/teaching-and-learning-resources/strategies-for-teaching-with-tech/storytelling-teching-and-learning/how-to-create-an-effective-story.html
  9. ↑ Storytelling and Instructional Design http://instructionaldesignfusions.wordpress.com/2010/07/13/the-instructional-designer-as-storyteller/
  10. ↑ Instructional Design https://instructionaldesignfusions.wordpress.com/category/instructional-design-approaches/digital-storytelling/
  11. ↑ 8 classic storytelling techniques http://www.sparkol.com/engage/8-classic-storytelling-techniques-for-engaging-presentations/
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