Narrative in the Classroom
In educational contexts, story is a powerful tool for learning and development. Inspired by the KEEN on Story project funded by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN), story-driven learning—the use of storytelling and narratives in the classroom—is being introduced to the STEM classroom because of its ability to increase student self-awareness, sense of satisfaction, and learning.
Story-driven learning interventions center reflection and connection-making with the aim to humanize STEM for students and those with whom students interact. The key impacts of story-driven learning include:
- Reflecting on, developing, and sharing evolving narratives
- Developing a clear sense of identity and purpose
- Developing an entrepreneurial mindset
How to Use Storytelling in the Classroom
There are endless ways to use story in class or other student-centered endeavors. Story-driven learning can fire up classes, your research groups, and advisees to reflect and explore why and how they are who they are, where they are, and who they desire to be.
Here are examples of ways to use story-driven learning at Rose-Hulman:
- Writing seminars
- Developing understanding of stakeholders
- User scenarios
- Preparing for career activities like career fair and interviews
- Establishing psychological safety in teams