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Storytelling

April 24, 2019 By Academy Staff 437 Comments

Reading – The Persuasive Power of Narrative

Share how you have used storytelling to link learning in your teaching practice.

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Daniel Simpson
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Daniel Simpson

Terrific points below.
Some of my most enjoyable moments teaching is when students are felling comfortable to share their experiences – and they are actually relevant! The other students really take it in.

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19 days ago
Nicola
Guest
Nicola

As an online learning designer, scenario-based learning is one of my favourite approaches to making learning engaging. Knowing that the online learners will not be in a classroom or with a teacher in person, using relevant stories and characters to build connection to the content and its relevance is vital. Creating simulated organisations that reflect real organisations, populating them with realistic workers and clients and giving the student a trainee role in that organisation sets the scene to build virtual relationships with co-workers and engage with clients is various related situations across multiple units in a course. Given the increasing… Read more »

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27 days ago
Julie Simpson
Guest
Julie Simpson

As a learner myself I can recall stories my teachers have told much more easily than facts and figures. I can recall the reasons for the stories and the understanding that came with it.
I use the same idea with my students to illustrate how the content is relevant to our experiences. These are not generally stories of success but where I have learned lessons from something gone wrong. I agree that students see you as human and real if you can admit that you aren’t perfect, and it helps them remember the content of the lesson.

Reply
1 month ago
Nicola
Guest
Nicola

Hi Julie, I agree that stories of difficulty and hardship often seem more relatable and ways to overcome these more useful and relevant.

Reply
27 days ago
Erica Roach
Guest
Erica Roach

I teach at TAFE and also Le Cordon Bleu, including both domestic and international students. I find that the students definitely need to understand the relevance of what they are learning to their own goals as adult learners. It is essential to use my own experience and examples to earn their respect and to demonstrate that I am “current” in the industries in which they are working or seeking employment. We have some great class discussion with students offering their own insights and experience to each other, so yes being “flexible” is so important and being a “facilitator”.

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1 month ago
Julie Simpson
Guest
Julie Simpson

Discussion is one of the best ways of learning, it leads to sharing of so many great ideas that the students come up with, and gives them more ownership of their learning as well. It also builds a connection between students, as well as with the teacher.

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1 month ago
Daniel Simpson
Guest
Daniel Simpson

That is so true. The story helps to make the teaching relevant!

Reply
19 days ago
Kim
Guest
Kim

I am an ESL teacher at TAFE, and I often use anecdotes to introduce topics and use my personal stories to expand on them. This allows learners to relate more to , and engage with the topic, while creating a sharing environment, as learners will often feel confident to tell their own stories.

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1 month ago
Erica Roach
Guest
Erica Roach

I agree. Building that confidence with international students is so important! I also teach at TAFE and positive student feedback on teachers is often related to the teachers’ different experiences and that they shared their stories with them.

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1 month ago
Caterina
Guest
Caterina

I enjoy story telling and sharing my life experiences as a way to engage the students. Life experiences are both the successful and not so successful stories. This strategy helps to open discussion in a classroom.

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3 months ago
Julie Simpson
Guest
Julie Simpson

It is also more fun than death by PowerPoint 🙂

Reply
1 month ago
Nicola
Guest
Nicola

Hi Caterina, I think because it takes courage and shows vulnerability to share stories of ourselves, especially of failures and not-so-successful experiences, that that encourages students to do the same.

Reply
27 days ago
Alanna Townsend
Guest
Alanna Townsend

As an English language teacher, i am always helping my students understand our language and culture by telling stories about myself, experiences and my family so the students can relate more easily to things. It often generates questions and further interest.

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3 months ago
Kim
Guest
Kim

Hi Alanna, i agree, it is a very beneficial way to promote student conversations.

Reply
1 month ago
Cassie
Guest
Cassie

I feel sharing our own stories with students allows them to see that we as teachers are real too. It also models that we all need to continue to reflect upon our practices to develop our skills.

Reply
3 months ago
Caterina
Guest
Caterina

Cassie, this is so true and great reminder that we are real too and have our own range of emotions that require authentic expression.

Reply
3 months ago
Dylan
Guest
Dylan

Story telling to link learning material to real life circumstance is easier with today’s “connected” students because they are in fact often aware of the practical application of the learning material. I teach accounting and there are plenty of real life stories of companies applying what we are learning. Often I tell the students stories of the real life application of what we are learning. Often students have stories of their own to contribute to the class discussion. So do both – Tell stories, also ask for stories.

Reply
3 months ago
Erica Roach
Guest
Erica Roach

I totally agree Dylan. I use my own stories and experiences when I can, but sometimes you may not have a relevant story or experience and by opening it up to the students’ own experiences, we can get some great discussion going.

Reply
1 month ago
Lorraine
Guest
Lorraine

I teach students how to become trainers so using storytelling is a great way to impart my real world experiences of what had worked well and what hadn’t worked well for me in the classroom. It adds real world examples and context to the lessons and normally creates lots of questions and discussion.

Reply
3 months ago
Dylan
Guest
Dylan

So true Lorraine, a real life story generates so much more discussion and further questions.

Reply
3 months ago
ljiljana
Guest
ljiljana

I love to use the concept of storytelling and since I am working in the early childhood field, sharing stories from the practice is always appealing to the students. Similarly storytelling with pre school age children that I also teach is beneficial too.

Reply
4 months ago
Chris Baldwin
Guest
Chris Baldwin

As a teacher, teaching adults, I use storytelling of my own experiences in class to help frame the learning and teaching experience that my students are receiving, but, more importantly, my storytelling adds real life context and scenarios to the lesson. It also makes in more personal and real, and students love to hear about my mistakes, so they learn from that, and hopefully do not make the same mistakes I did.

Reply
4 months ago
Lorraine
Guest
Lorraine

Chris I agree that using story telling with adults helps to add real life context to teaching and makes it more meaningful to the subject matter.

Reply
3 months ago
Kim
Guest
Kim

Hi Lorraine, yes I have found that contextualising through story telling, allows learners to make sense of, and relate more to topics taught.

Reply
1 month ago
Alison
Guest
Alison

On meeting a class in a small city school for the first time students asked “Where are you from?” They corrected me – “Not where you live”. The next day another class asked the same question and this time I could answer “England, Ireland and Scotland”. I was lucky. They wanted to know my story and they then launched into sharing their own stories with gusto. I took this learning to my first country school class and took the initiative to launch with where my family came from. This group was more interested in where my relatives from Ireland (1800s)… Read more »

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4 months ago
ljiljana
Guest
ljiljana

Alison, i completely agree with you that storytelling can support learning goal, I see that when I am working with my preschool group.

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4 months ago
sheila
Guest
sheila

Storytelling is important when imparting skills, as it provides an example of how the tasks–whether theory or practical–fit into a job role in the real world. It shows that what they are learning now can be applied in the future.

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4 months ago
Dylan
Guest
Dylan

So true Sheila, story telling brings a real life perspective to what we are learning about.

Reply
3 months ago
Julie-Anne Williams
Guest
Julie-Anne Williams

Sharing stories also provides an opportunity for empathy – for students to “walk a mile in someone’s shoes”. The stories needs to be relevant and appropriate. I have used stories about other people to he illustrate an idea. A story I have heard or a story I was a part of but not the primary player. Sometime I refer back to old stories to remind students.

Reply
4 months ago
Alison
Guest
Alison

Julie-Anne I think telling stories like the ones you’ve mentioned is important. I shared Martin Luther King’s speech “I have a dream…” with students and I was surprised they hadn’t heard it and were engrossed by it. It was a great discussion starter.

Reply
4 months ago
Amir Chishti
Guest
Amir Chishti

Storytelling is important because it helps in getting the message through. The story has to be relevant to the content being delivered so that the listeners can relate to it. Teaching through storytelling is an art and teachers need to plan well otherwise it will not have the desired effect. Having come from a different cultural background, teachers like myself might find it difficult to pick the childhood stories for their current students. However, it is possible to find stories relating to my early years in Australia. This involves re-learning almost everything to get “Australian experience”. Stories about studying in… Read more »

Reply
4 months ago
Caterina
Guest
Caterina

Amir, I agree that the story has to be relevant to the content when being delivered so that students can relate to it. I find sometimes that students then go on a tangent in another direction which in a way it helps them to open up and participate in class discussion.

Reply
3 months ago
Joy
Guest
Joy

Sharing anecdotes from your life helps put the learners at ease, builds rapport and can set the context for the content of the session. Providing examples that illustrate particular teaching points aids engagement and understanding.

Reply
5 months ago
Amir Chishti
Guest
Amir Chishti

Storytelling brings examples to which the students can relate to. Stories about life experiences can transform lives and that is what the teachers are there for.

Reply
4 months ago
Colleen
Guest
Colleen

I agree Amir storytelling brings examples to the students then they share their life experiences in a short story.

Reply
3 months ago
sheila
Guest
sheila

Building rapport, and showing the students that you are fallible.

Reply
4 months ago
ljiljana
Guest
ljiljana

So true about storytelling and real life examples. Through storytelling you can easily connect with your students in particular if they are coming from different cultures then the sharing and learning is richer and more vibrant.

Reply
4 months ago
Alanna Townsend
Guest
Alanna Townsend

Yes it does Joy. It makes it seem more real for the learner.

Reply
3 months ago
Brenda
Guest
Brenda

Story telling from experience is gold in a trade class as it helps students connect with you and other class mates.

Reply
5 months ago
Joy
Guest
Joy

Brenda, you’re the expert in your field so I think it is critical that you share the wealth of knowledge that you have gained from your time in the workplace.

Reply
5 months ago
Amanda
Guest
Amanda

I totally agree that stories are a powerful way to get all ages involved. I love to use stories to explain difficult concepts. I teach a WHS subject that is heavy with government and legal jargon and concepts. I now have a story about super car racing that includes all of the “hard” stuff that appeals to my mostly teen male students. If it has wheels and an engine they love it but the story weaves through the WHS concepts with quite remarkable retention.

Reply
5 months ago
Joy
Guest
Joy

Well done Amanda, turning something that could be quite dry and unpalatable into something that piques teen learners’ interest.

Reply
5 months ago
Lorraine
Guest
Lorraine

What a great way of using story telling Amanda, making it relevant to your student group.

Reply
3 months ago
Keryn
Guest
Keryn

I like to use stories to connect new learning to things the students already know. it is difficult to give an exact example as they are used in teaching moments that arise during classes. My preference is to solicit storied of lived experience from students through the use of facilitation skills and questioning. the success rate is pretty good but if the attempt falls flat i will read the room and either use one of my lived experience stories or move on. i also like to use stories to encourage perseverance because we all have experiences of learning something and… Read more »

Reply
5 months ago
Amanda
Guest
Amanda

I agree Keryn, stories are a great way to build upon existing knowledge especially coming from the student’s own experience. I am going to use your “hitting the hard point” analogy with my next class.

Reply
5 months ago
sheila
Guest
sheila

Yes storytelling in these instances provide a link to new learning, and provides an example why the content is worth learning.

Reply
4 months ago
Jessica
Guest
Jessica

I have found the most useful storytelling is when discussing topics such as discrimination or bullying with students in my class. Coming from a migrant family background, using those stories to help students understand how words can hurt, or how opportunity shouldn’t be taken for granted. These stories have really rensonated deeply with my students. I find if they can see the other sides persepctive through my story telling they are able to have more empathy, openness and understanding. When you share your experiences with your students there is more repsect, connection and understanding for one another.

Reply
6 months ago
Amir Chishti
Guest
Amir Chishti

Jessica, this is very relevant for people coming from different cultural backgrounds. Apart from generating interest in the session, such stories help students develop better understanding of others. Making people better human beings is also part of our job.

Reply
4 months ago
jodie
Guest
jodie

During COVID my stories about when I was learning to deliver in a connected environment were critical to ensure teachers starting down that path understand it doesn’t need to be mastered all in one go….as well as giving them an understanding that those experiences are going to bring them closer to the class if they handle them in the right way.

Reply
6 months ago
Brenda
Guest
Brenda

Jodie I totally agree. I used the same tac and earnt so much respect from students. Students are still chatting about it in class( at my expense) but creates a good atmosphere.

Reply
5 months ago
Julie-Anne Williams
Guest
Julie-Anne Williams

This is great Jodie and it lines up with the piece Michael said about authenticity also. It help the students and teacher build a relationship on helping each other through the experience and then have hundreds of stories to tell afterwards.

Reply
4 months ago
Paul
Guest
Paul

I continue to reiterate my struggles I had in my trade and how I wish I had learnt to understand what was happening then just parrot learn – which did me no help at all as a tradesman. I am conscious of the road ahead for them, and the mistakes I have made and that’s what makes me passionate to share these experiences so they don’t fall into the same hole or embarrassment in the future. I personally believe that this helps me engage and be authentic with my students with regards to this

Reply
6 months ago
Keryn
Guest
Keryn

Hi Paul, you make some really great points. it is worth sharing our own learning struggles with students so they understand that learning new things is challenging for everyone – not just them – but the rewards can be great if they persevere.

Reply
5 months ago
Brenda
Guest
Brenda

I think that’s great Paul. I also do the same and remind the students that you learn more from a mistake then getting it right all the time.

Reply
5 months ago
kay manettas
Guest
kay manettas

Stories are the vehicle where we link new learning. As an adult educator, my students have their own stores and experiences that they can link new learning s to. their experiences of successes and failure allow for opportunities of exploration and problem solving applying new techniques and positive learning experiences. I use my own stories to show experiences of positive learning as well as how to overcome negative learning experiences (changing negative learning by understanding its value as a learning experience and using it to improve or change learning).

Reply
6 months ago
Paul
Guest
Paul

Kay, i like how you use the vehicle analogy, guessing the vehicle has it’s problems as well as its advantages….. and i guess it’s important to try and listen to their stories as well as sharing your own ….. life is kind to us when we have experienced both the good and not so good

Reply
6 months ago
TRACEY
Guest
TRACEY

I continually use stories from my experience to demonstrate examples of what I am teaching. It is very powerful because it is real. I don’t use the negative experiences very often but after listening to this advice I will try this.

Reply
6 months ago
kay manettas
Guest
kay manettas

Hi again Tracey, I use negative experiences I have had to prove that everyone makes mistakes and I also use them to show that we learn from negative stories, of course, these are not stories that will, or could, cause stress or discomfort. It shows that we are human and as humans mistakes are made and that we learn from these mistakes. I often tell my students it’s great that you know what you know, but mistakes are critical as it is these experiences where the learning happens,

Reply
6 months ago
John Lacey
Guest
John Lacey

I tell stories about how I have struggled to access websites that haven’t considered accessibility and the needs of their audience. And I usually explain how, with technical tricks and hacks, I can work around these. But I also explain that many users with special needs won’t be able to overcome these as easily and may abandon the site, and how this will impact their lives.

Reply
6 months ago
Julie-Anne Williams
Guest
Julie-Anne Williams

This is really relevant John. I often use the story of my student who was blind and using a screen reader to access online learning resources. I describe the experience of simple things like telling her to “look” for something. We always laugh about that. It makes it very real for students who are deigning these tools in the future to think about how to use something.

Reply
4 months ago
Adam Knott
Guest
Adam Knott

I teach photography and i often tell stories of my own career as a photographer which started in 1982 and continues to this day. Of course i relay stories of success but i think they get more from my stories where everything went wrong and mistakes i have made. I always say to them ” I made these mistakes so you dont have to”

Reply
6 months ago
John Lacey
Guest
John Lacey

Those “cautionary tales” are usually the most impactful I find!

Reply
6 months ago
Jean
Guest
Jean

Always good to show our human side 🙂

Reply
6 months ago
Paul
Guest
Paul

yes, its these struggles we learn the most, and to allow our students to be aware that life doesn’t always go to plan

Reply
6 months ago
jodie
Guest
jodie

Great way of phrasing it Adam….although I also like to tell me failures to show what I actually learnt out of them.

Reply
6 months ago
Barb
Guest
Barb

I share stories all the time to relate the content I’m delivering to the workplace. The examples I provide help the students to understand the context of the content. Students are also invited to share their experiences as all workplaces are different. I have learned from their examples and stories.

Reply
7 months ago
TRACEY
Guest
TRACEY

It definitely makes it ‘real’ for students.

Reply
6 months ago
jodie
Guest
jodie

And how great is it to hear other peoples experiences too if not only to re-enforce that what you are teaching is important.

Reply
6 months ago
Colleen
Guest
Colleen

Real stories stop and make them think and relate to you and realise they aren’t the only ones that struggle to get where they’ve gotten.

Reply
3 months ago
Daniel Simpson
Guest
Daniel Simpson

True – its a great foundation for vocational education

Reply
19 days ago
Lin
Guest
Lin

I found when teaching TVET students that in the majority of cases they do not have a great deal of “life experiences” to share (some more than others). On a number of occasions when endeavouring to assist students to understand a particular concept or task I have shared a life experience of my own and this has added to the relevance of the topic and they were better equipped to understand and learn. I often use the analogy that much of what they are learning are “transferrable skills” in life and can be used in so many career pathways and… Read more »

Reply
7 months ago
kay manettas
Guest
kay manettas

Agreed, our young people think they know, telling them about our own experiences outs learning into real contexts and they can unpack and explore our experiences to develop strategies on how to handle a similar situation of they themselves come across in life or work, or even learning.

Reply
6 months ago
Jessica
Guest
Jessica

This is great to remember that what they are learning are “transferrable skills”. I think it is so important for us as educators to help our students realise that all the different skills they accumulate throughout their lives can serve them in so many different ways. It only adds to their abilities and experience and is never a waste of time.

Reply
6 months ago
Brigid
Guest
Brigid

Part of my subjects covers food allergies. I haven’t had any allergies but when I told them my story of an unexpected anaphylactic reaction I had recently, I had their undivided attention! It certainly was real and they could see the relevance and seriousness of why they would need to know this sort of information and how to apply it.

Reply
7 months ago
Adam Knott
Guest
Adam Knott

Brigid, great for me to hear as i can see the students responded positively to your vulnerability and real life situation.

Reply
6 months ago
John Lacey
Guest
John Lacey

Stories that are literally a matter of life and death would certainly grab my attention!

Reply
6 months ago
vszopen
Guest
vszopen

When discussing the use of food additives, in particular thickeners, I told my students about my work experience testing different thickening agents in chocolate topping formulations including the reasons for the investigations and my observations. I think this gives a good context for applying knowledge of food additives

Reply
7 months ago
Brigid
Guest
Brigid

Being able to share my experience in industry certainly helps students see the relevance of what they are learning.

Reply
7 months ago
David
Guest
David

Bringing stories or real life experiences into the classroom is so important to connect the learner to the subject and for them to see a use for the subject matter and how to apply it in their daily activities.

Reply
7 months ago
Barb
Guest
Barb

I agree David. This is so important for their learning.

Reply
7 months ago
Jean
Guest
Jean

yes I would agree I teach nursing and you increase your street credibility with real and current examples of near misses

Reply
6 months ago
Chris Baldwin
Guest
Chris Baldwin

Could not agree more David, the connection that story telling provides in a classroom setting is so valuable.

Reply
4 months ago
Adora Roberts
Guest
Adora Roberts

Appropriate shoes for work! As a girl I grew up with my mother telling me that when your outside, out working with the horses you need to have appropriate shoes on, always telling me every time I went to go outside. I did like a good girl I put on the right shoes for the job. Then one day came where I was on my way out to put the horses out and I had a friend with me, I was in thongs…… and I said to her my mother taught me better than to go outside to the horses… Read more »

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7 months ago
Barb
Guest
Barb

Great story Adora.

Reply
7 months ago
Carol
Guest
Carol

Sharing an experience with the students that relates to them and the same industry is quite effective in getting their attention and keeping them engaged. If you have built a good relationship, they are always interested to hear your stories.

Reply
7 months ago
Lin
Guest
Lin

Totally agree Carol, sharing those experiences is a valuable learning tool and one that fosters respect and develops a rapport with our students.

Reply
7 months ago
Jessica
Guest
Jessica

I agree, sometimes its those personal touches or personal stories that are so intriguing to students. Giving them the opportunity to see that even their teacher has made mistakes and showing them how you have learnt from it is very powerdful.

Reply
6 months ago
Neryl
Guest
Neryl

I think learners like to hear about someone else’s life – and the successes and failures. Isn’t this the way we learn ‘we are not alone’…

Reply
7 months ago
Adora Roberts
Guest
Adora Roberts

Agree, we don’t want to feel alone but on the same page no two lives are the same and so this is where we use the right words when communicating.

Reply
7 months ago
David
Guest
David

Life experiences whether positive or negative in their outcome are the way we all learn from each other and value the lessons learnt.

Reply
7 months ago
vszopen
Guest
vszopen

Not only that it builds connections with your students as well.

Reply
7 months ago
Sujeet
Guest
Sujeet

I teach Project management units and I always share stories of my past projects and thus bring interest and relevance to their learning. Students learn more when they listen these stories and they are able to make better connection to their learning.

Reply
7 months ago
Adora Roberts
Guest
Adora Roberts

Agree Sujeet, they will likely use your stories to reflect on.

Reply
7 months ago
David
Guest
David

Real life stories bring authenticity to the subject. When students can relate they learn.

Reply
7 months ago
Lin
Guest
Lin

Excellent conclusion Sujeet, some concepts can be difficult to grasp and it is often the use of a personal experience that can provide a simpler explanation and lead to a much better understanding of the topic by the student.

Reply
7 months ago
Jackie
Guest
Jackie

As a first aid teacher I find the best way to engage the students is by telling my first aid stories. The most common question I get from students is “have you ever done CPR”. When I say “yes” and then relay the story I see that they become more attentive. Because this course is related to events that can happen in anyone’s life having my own stories to tell can make the learning more real and students will know what to expect if faced with a first aid situation.

Reply
7 months ago
Sujeet
Guest
Sujeet

That’s true, stories about past experiences help students to learn better and also they are engaged in their learning

Reply
7 months ago
vszopen
Guest
vszopen

I guess you might have lots of interesting stories to share in first aid

Reply
7 months ago
Adam Knott
Guest
Adam Knott

Im impressed Jackie. Your post makes me want to take your first aid course.

Reply
6 months ago
Fiona Christopher
Guest
Fiona Christopher

By sharing my personal experiences through story telling with students gives them a deeper understanding of how lesson content over time relate to the trade skills that they are learning. People remember stories and experiences better than a set of facts especially if told honestly. By sharing ,i find that class trust and interest builds quickly .

Reply
7 months ago
Neryl
Guest
Neryl

Interesting comment about building trust! So true. By sharing stories the learners feel a part of something, and included.

Reply
7 months ago
Theresa Morgan
Guest
Theresa Morgan

i share stores when reading to students with intellectual impairments. so that they can grasp the reality of the topic. usually this story will related to real life situations. eg… use of money and not receiving the correct change when purchasing from food shopping.

Reply
7 months ago
Chris Baldwin
Guest
Chris Baldwin

Hi Theresa, as an old school teacher who has had experiences teaching adapted classes within the school setting I totally get the sue of storytelling as a way to teach fundamental skills that intellectually impaired students will need to survive in the world.

Reply
4 months ago
Tamar Manoukian
Guest
Tamar Manoukian

By sharing experiences and story telling brings relevance to the learning material and allows the learner to connect. It becomes real and personal. It creates discussion and cohesiveness in the class.

Reply
7 months ago
Theresa Morgan
Guest
Theresa Morgan

This is good because (the story) relates to real life reality. I feel most teachers know this any way.

Reply
7 months ago
Brigid
Guest
Brigid

By sharing my story first, it encourages students, even the quieter ones, to share theirs.

Reply
7 months ago
Jennifer De Goursat
Guest
Jennifer De Goursat

Story telling in class is not new. In fact, story telling predates any class! Story telling has been the means by which pre literate people shared history and knowledge for aeons.

In a ESL class, the students learnt more language by listening and sharing stories than by writing word lists.

Context is key!

Reply
7 months ago
Theresa Morgan
Guest
Theresa Morgan

So true, I teach special Education and i am constantly referring back to a comparison story to support the student to grasp the meaning. Totally agree with you

Reply
7 months ago
Sujeet
Guest
Sujeet

Agreed, we have all been using stories but making it relevant to their learning brings more engagement in the class as well as aids to their learning

Reply
7 months ago
Nanette Stacey
Guest
Nanette Stacey

I often tell stories of patients I have looked after or experiences I have had nursing to illustrate a point.

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7 months ago
Fiona Christopher
Guest
Fiona Christopher

So effective in linking new knowledge to known experience through your examples

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7 months ago
Jackie
Guest
Jackie

I have told stories about my first aid experiences and how I have felt when injured myself and I think this gives a better understanding of the subject matter. Everyone experiences things differently so this can open up a conversation.

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7 months ago
Jacquelyn Dixon
Guest
Jacquelyn Dixon

I use stories in my classroom everyday, in vocational education I relate experiences both positive and negative that I had in the workplace to engage and encourage discussion, to provide relevancy to the learning and to develop the relationship with my students as an authentic person who makes mistakes and learns from them

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7 months ago
Jennifer De Goursat
Guest
Jennifer De Goursat

Yes; students love to hear anecdotes that relate to what they are learning – it makes it more applicable to them.

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7 months ago
Sylvia Haber-Farrugia
Guest
Sylvia Haber-Farrugia

I teach Medical Administration and have found that students benefit from hearing about the experiences that I have whilst working in a Medical Practice as it demonstrates the relevance of the the content which is being delivered within their course.

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8 months ago
Jacquelyn Dixon
Guest
Jacquelyn Dixon

Great example Sylvia, I relate to this and agree that students get many benefits from hearing about our experiences in the workplace and often a negative experience is a good learning opportunity and it builds on our authenticity and relationshp

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7 months ago
Marney Lynch
Guest
Marney Lynch

I teach Early Childhood Education and Care – our students enjoy hearing of experiences of my interactions with children in services and how even though times may change the level of play and care reman the same.

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8 months ago
Jacquelyn Dixon
Guest
Jacquelyn Dixon

I agree Marney, student love to hear these stories and it makes the learning real and relevant.

Reply
7 months ago
Mary Anne Ayliffe
Guest
Mary Anne Ayliffe

Teaching Finance & Accounting I tell different kinds of stories to suit the circumstance. It is a useful for demonstrating the application of concepts. I also relate incidents of unsuccessful endeavors both in industry and as a new teacher to walk the talk of my view that it’s ok to make mistakes because that is how we learn’. Then students feel comfortable to take the risk and ask a question in front of peers and this enhances everyone’s learning. The other situation for stories is after 8 pm when I can see the poor evening students struggling to stay awake.… Read more »

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8 months ago
Marney Lynch
Guest
Marney Lynch

A good example of sharing with students, your comment links directly to the information just provided about sharing stories -thanks for sharing.

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8 months ago
Nanette Stacey
Guest
Nanette Stacey

Hi Mary, I like the authenticity that you demonstrate when sharing your stories with students. it really does make a big difference to helping students feel more connected.

Reply
7 months ago
Jennifer De Goursat
Guest
Jennifer De Goursat

Definitely: concrete examples solidify abstract practices in accounting and the reasons for them.

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7 months ago
LEONA MILLS
Guest
LEONA MILLS

As a VET trainer in Accounting & Finance I use work stories lots to tie the theory to the practical applications of Accounting – whether this be about the technical topics, or discussions around workplace issues / politics in the workplace etc.

Reply
8 months ago
Mary Anne Ayliffe
Guest
Mary Anne Ayliffe

We have a similar approach Leona. We can use our stories in so many ways; as an application of theory, as a tool of engagement and to let students know everyone makes mistakes!

Reply
8 months ago
Cassie
Guest
Cassie

This is so important for VET students who need stories of practical experiences to build their knowledge to take to the workplace.

Reply
3 months ago
Maryanne
Guest
Maryanne

I am a Registered nurse you has been lucky enough to work in this profession both here and overseas. My current role is also a TAFE teacher in Health. I find that by being to put the theory into practice by relating that theory to my own experiences in practice, that student are so much more engaged bring the theory that they learn to life. By telling your story that incorporates theory and practical that students are learning makes their learning more real, tangible and relatable. This assist with student engagement and adds to the quest for even more knowledge.

Reply
8 months ago
Sylvia Haber-Farrugia
Guest
Sylvia Haber-Farrugia

Maryanne, I agree that providing your own experience helps students make the connection with the relevance of the teaching.

Reply
8 months ago
Jackie
Guest
Jackie

I also think by telling your own stories it makes you more real instead of being seen as that person at the front of the room who probably doesn’t have a life (students view of course).

Reply
7 months ago
Cassie
Guest
Cassie

Stories I believe build engagement and understanding, its helps the student connect the dots

Reply
3 months ago
Trish
Guest
Trish

I use my stories to illustrate a point as I am in vocational learning. I have had compliments from students as being the “teacher who listens to me” as many vocational students have personal issues that get in the way of their learning. When I can relate to them with a story about my experience in the workplace, how I felt etc they feel a connection and that I am not perfect and can see their side. When trying to get a point across or a teaching new piece of learning, I find a story is so powerful that there… Read more »

Reply
8 months ago
Maryanne
Guest
Maryanne

I totally agree with you Trish. It can be very difficult to engage some students and I feel that you have successfully made this connection with your students by making yourself relatable and closing the gap between learners and facilitators. Well done.

Reply
8 months ago
Tamar Manoukian
Guest
Tamar Manoukian

Learners definitely connect with the story telling and it brings down barriers.

Reply
7 months ago
Rebecca Huett
Guest
Rebecca Huett

I have been fortunate to live in a number of different countries from adolescence to adulthood and now I have experience having taught in a number of different schools. I find that I can tell many stories and relate them back to the subject matter I teach, especially in the Creative Arts and Humanities subject areas. By storytelling as well as covering subject content, it is evident in my teaching experience that the students engage and connect with both you and the narrative with respect and emotion, therefore building relationships and interest within the lesson time.

Reply
8 months ago
Maryanne
Guest
Maryanne

Rebecca you are clearly a great teacher. I can validate your experiences that you have expressed with you students as they are very similar to my experiences with students when experiences are shared. It is so beneficial as this sharing generated communication and interaction not only with the facilitator but with each other in class, giving rise to basic networking skills that will be so important in their future careers.

Reply
8 months ago

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