Tell me a fact and I will learn. Tell me truth and I will believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever. Indian Proverb
(© 2024 Maria Polykarpou)
This course offers practitioners in education the opportunity to engage with the creative approach of story-making and storytelling, in order to learn how to use it as a practical skill in their work with students.
Stories are the container of the human experience. Through their symbolic language, humans are able to understand themselves and the world. Children are naturally drawn to stories because it is easier for them to receive and process information. It is a fact that nowadays, in every classroom, students have multiple educational needs due to their diverse backgrounds (socioeconomic, cultural, religious, ethnic, and racial), special needs, disabilities, and family history. This encourages practitioners to develop their knowledge and strategies in order to be inclusive in their work with students.
The use of story-making and storytelling is considered to be a powerful communication tool in education as it moves students into the world of imagination and creativity, encourages their critical thinking skills, deepens their understanding, expands their problem-solving skills, increases their attention and motivation, and promotes their cooperation, sociability, and self-expression.
This course is addressed to the teachers of any type of school (primary, secondary, high schools, adult education, etc.), principals, social workers, school psychologists, and counselors who are interested in strengthening their communication skills as well as their relationship with students through the art form of story-making and storytelling, promoting a positive attitude towards learning.
Methodology
The course follows an interactive process based on reflective discussions and experiential group activities. It uses theory and creative techniques from Dramatherapy and the art of storytelling, creating a constructive and comprehensive context adjusted to the needs of practitioners in education.
Dramatherapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses drama, story-making, music, movement, and art as mediums for psychological therapy. It invites individuals to work with their whole being—mind, body, and emotions. Dramatherapy helps individuals express emotions, process difficult experiences, and develop coping skills. It can be applied to a diverse range of individuals, groups, and organisations (British Association of Dramatherapists).
Storytelling is the interactive art of using words and actions to reveal the elements and images of a story while encouraging the listener’s imagination. It involves a two-way interaction between a storyteller and one or more listeners (National Storytelling Network, USA).
Learning outcomes
- Raised awareness of the principles and the use of story-making and storytelling in education
- Aquired knowledge of the process of creating a story (key themes, story path)
- Gain techniques on how to work with a story (sensory material, enactment)
- Ability to use story-making and storytelling for various target groups
- Develop practical insights on the application of story-making and storytelling in the classroom
- Raised awareness of inclusive education.