Learning Through Stories

All of our lives we have learned through stories. From fairy tales to fantasy films, stories have enriched, influenced, and even changed the course of our lives. They connect with us on both an intellectual and emotional level, and are remembered. The best stories leave us with a sense that we have taken something important away with us. They allow us to see something in a different way or learn something new because they provide context and inspire imagination. Imagine the power of stories as a part of training.

Stories are everywhere. Even a 30-second commercial is a story. Marketers have known the power of stories for decades. Commercials are designed to present a story that watchers can relate to in a way that is memorable and alters buying habits. We may all say that they have no affect on us, but consider the amount of research marketers put into analyzing the impact of a commercial and the increasing billions of dollars spent each year on them. They teach us how to feel about a product, and we do learn from them.

Stories also teach learners how to feel about new information. They provide a new dimension to learning. As learners listen to leaders’ personal insights about purpose and goals and to peers relating value and impact relating to the information, a connection is made. Understanding the relevance of information makes it easier to remember, apply, and leads to real buy-in and dedication.

Stories in learning present the real impact and purpose of processes, attitudes, and tasks. The emotional connections made make them as memorable as our favorite fairy tales.