Module 3: Storytelling

With this module I had the opportunity to explore the usage of storytelling to enhance learning. I believe it is a very innate, human experience to love storytelling. This is evident as humans gravitate towards books, movies, and family stories. Last weekend, I went to my grandparent’s apartment and heard stories about them immigrating to Canada from Egypt. Their stories stuck with me, and I hope to pass their stories on to my children to teach them about perseverance. The module reading and my grandparents’ stories really made me realize how powerful storytelling can be while teaching. It allows the learner to imagine and visualize the situation. I am looking forward to applying this in Assignment 2.

Twine

Twine is a storytelling application that allows users to create stories that are “choose your own advantage” style. First of all, I spent some time watching YouTube videos to ensure I knew how to create a story on Twine. After I felt comfortable using Twine, I started creating my story. I did not have a strict plan when creating the different story paths, but I naturally used some of my personal stories/experiences. In one section of my story there is a bear attack and my uncle recently survived one. In my story you have the chance of meeting Robert Irwin, who I enjoy following on Instagram. There is also a chance that Jacob and Edward may join the story as well.

Below are a couple screenshots and a link to my Twine story.

Here is a link to my Twine story: Maya’s Twine Story

Reflection Questions

Describe a meaningful learning experience that started with a story that you heard. What made it impactful for you? What senses did it appeal to? Did you recognize any of the storytelling techniques reviewed this week?

When I was in Grade 3, I had an older teacher who used to tell us stories of her childhood. She told the class that her family was Jewish and when the Holocaust began, her family survived by living in their neighbour’s attic. She was a baby at the time so when searches were conducted of the house, her mother kept her quiet by feeding her Tootsie Rolls. She would always hand out Tootsie Rolls as she told us these stories. I am always transformed back into Grade 3, sitting on the carpet listening to these harrowing stories whenever I see, smell, or eat a Tootsie Roll.

I did not understand the significance of the Holocaust at the time, but once I heard about it again in high school, I realized that I had heard about it before. It made me more interested, and I felt as though I had a personal connection to it. This teacher telling the classroom about her family’s story made use of Mayer’s Personalization Principle.

Overall, this story will always stay with me, and I feel privileged to have heard it.  

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In the reading this week, 7 Storytelling Techniques Used by the Most Inspiring TED Presenters, which of the presenters did you find most compelling? What technique(s) did you recognize in their talk?

The story that I found most compelling was Richard’s story about using technology to scare lions on his father’s farm. The story was short, yet powerful. Everything he said was on topic and the pacing was exceptional. He talked in a friendly and natural manner which aligned with the Mayer’s Personalization Principle. He had many visuals that complimented his story as they were relevant and enhanced the story. For example, he said that his father’s livestock was killed by lions. Then an image appeared that showed a graphic photo of cow that had been killed and eaten. It made me feel compassion and empathy towards his family and provided a personal touch. Overall, I found his TedTalk compelling, educational, and inspiring as a result of his storytelling techniques.

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What storytelling techniques have you used instinctively and which ones require more work for you? Which techniques will you focus on moving forward?

I think that I instinctively use Mayer’s Personalization Principle when storytelling. I feel as though I am a very open person who does not mind sharing personal stories. Personalization connects people and provides an appealing way to package information. I also use a conversational tone which is also part of the Personalization Principle. Additionally, I try to keep stories short to maintain people’s attention which is part of Mayer’s Segmentation Principle. The technique that requires more work for myself is to add visual components (Mayer’s Signalling Principle) as I do not often think of adding this. Additionally, I need to be more aware of ensuring that I follow the universal design for learning principles. Just because I do not need supplements does not mean other people don’t need them. Moving forward I will try to include visual components and use universal design for learning principles in my assignment 2 and future work I do.