Storytelling in Learning Design

Humans are storytelling animals, and most learners respond better to stories than to theoretical material without a story. But how do we incorporate story in learning design, especially given how personal stories can be? In this episode we have practical tips for you on this and all things story in learning design.

01:18 Storytelling in the learning context

02:14 Spontaneous versus planned stories

04:38 The power of story for learning

06:14 How stories engage emotions

06:44 Your learners will make stories up anyway

08:39 Stories can be better than data

09:56 What’s the difference between stories and anecdotes?

11:04 Case studies as a learning bridge

11:54 Should we always only use our own stories?

14:16 Stories can be true without having happened

17:27 Creating great case studies

18:54 Using storytelling consciously in learning design

22:12 Designing stories into materials for others to deliver

24:53 The magpie approach to gathering stories

26:09 Using stories in specific activities

28:20 Getting learners to bring their stories into play

30:57 Lead with the story

32:07 Learning about story structure

38:51 Storytelling as part of your topic

40:19 Stories and evaluation

41:10 Sheridan’s takeaways from Storytelling

44:58 What is Training Design anyway?

53:44  The end of the season

54:19 Who we are and getting in touch

Resource Links

Dave Lieber TED Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bo3dpVb5jw

Ursula Leguin on truth in fiction: tinyurl.com/yx7bjkh3

The Science of Storytelling, Will Storr: www.amazon.co.uk/Science-Storytelling-Will-Storr/dp/0008276943

Joseph Campbell: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hero_with_a_Thousand_Faces

Fabula Storytelling Cards: fabuladeck.com

Pixar Storytelling Course: www.khanacademy.org/humanities/hass-storytelling/storytelling-pixar-in-a-box

Contact the Hosts

Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TrainingDesignPodcast

Terry Pearce LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/terrypaulpearce

Sheridan Webb LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/trainingdesigner

The Training Designers’ Club: www.facebook.com/groups/2226817990681543 - A community for Learning Designers

360 Learning Design: 360learningdesign.com - For bespoke, creative and personalised learning design

Keystone Development: www.keystonedevelopment.co.uk - For bespoke learning and development programme design

Power Hour: www.power-hour.co.uk - For ready written bite-size training materials