Storytelling as Learning

For generations, stories have provided a way to code information into a form that was easily transferred. Stories work by embedding factual knowledge (left-mode) into sensory events and images that evoke emotion (right-mode). Stories have built-in personal meaning—which gives them powerful learning impact. Think about the stories related to the content you are designing:

• What stories does the learner tell themselves about this topic? Past successes, failures, perceived and real barriers are all part of the story.
• What stories are being shared in conversations with others? Are there similarities in stories? Differences?
• What conversation needs to take place for learning to occur? Does the story being told need to change in order for the learner to become engaged?

In the first part of the 4MAT Learning Cycle, we engage the learner. Eliciting the learner’s story works perfectly here. Think about the content you are sharing. Craft a question or experience that encourages the learner to think about their experience—their story—related to the content. When done well, a rich dialogue emerges and the learner is immediately engaged.

Be Well,
Jeanine O'Neill-Blackwell
President/CEO, 4MAT 4BUSINESS