The Power of Narrative in Learning
We teach our children through stories not because it is a simplistic or naïve methodology, but because narrative orders our experience. The power of narrative lies in its capacity to reinforce memory; to engage the mind and emotions with an immediacy that intensifies the learning experience; and to create community.
Stories are an effective mnemonic
The illustrative anecdote can carry a tremendous cargo of associations, from remembering basic procedures to recalling entire learning modules or other experiences.
I learned to tie my shoes by remembering that “the rabbit comes out of its hole, around the tree, and back down the hole again,” a story that enacts the process. Millions of children recall a complex message about overconfidence through a tale about a wolf, three pigs, and three structures of varying resilience.
Stories make the learner an active participant
A well-crafted story has the power to draw us in; everyone has been “lost in a good book,” or lost track of time while absorbed by a compelling film. Narrative allows the learner to engage with the structure of a tale, through identification with a character or situation. The “case method” of teaching at business schools is so popular and successful because it builds on peoples’ inherent tendency to identify with the people and scenarios described, and to recall both the foundational story and the conversation and role-playing that ensued.
Simulations can intensify this engagement through their branching narratives and the need for the learner to actively direct the story line, and through the inclusion of video and other rich media. Simulations and thought experiments allow learners to attain mastery in a safe but vivid environment.
Stories create community
Every marketing department already knows the importance of story in creating brand identity and appealing to customers. Do you have a compelling story to tell your organization’s learners?
Having a cohesive narrative for your company allows your workforce to identify with an existing community and place themselves within that community. As a learning organization leader, you are a world builder creating a vision of your institution and inviting the participant to enter and contribute to the fulfillment of that vision.
Who is talking about storytelling as part of the successful learning organization?
We are, and we want you to join us.
Storytelling is the theme of the first day of this year’s Global Leadership Congress, May 9th-11th in on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Three experts drawn from the faculty of UPenn’s Graduate School of Education and from the cutting edge of e-learning will lead workshops to help you rethink how narrative can help you instill culture and use technology to improve your organization.
- Explore the importance of story with educator Lawrence Sipe, a professor and leading expert on children’s literature.
- Discuss video production in the workplace with filmmaker and professor Amit Das and learn the techniques of effective visual storytelling.
- Learn about Experience Design, the combination of work experience and expertise with the power of storytelling, with industry leader and professor Ken Spero.
Be part of the Global Leadership Congress. Be part of the story.
