January 23, 2025

By Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth

I have long been interested in the stories of others and in sharing my own story. It was not always like this in my teaching practice, though; it took years for me to realize the power of sharing one's story because of the impact that it can have on others.

Storytelling has been a fundamental part of our history and personal experiences. Telling stories helps us to shape our understanding of the world, develop empathy, and connect with others. We may not realize the impact of our stories on the livesof others, so that is why we need to be open and willing to share our stories in a way that brings us comfort and builds confidence and that is beneficial to others in search of ideas or reassurance in the work we do as educators. We also need to model the power of story telling for our students.

For students, storytelling can sometimes be scary, especially about their own story. It leaves us vulnerable and may involve sharing failures. However, it can also be a positive exercise in boosting creativity and fostering greater classroom connections. Through storytelling, we have a means of self-expression and reflection, and it helps our personal growth. In today’s digital age, with access to so many technologies and choices, storytelling has evolved from the use of traditional journaling in notebooks to a variety of multimedia formats such as podcasts, blogging, vlogging, or even the creation of digital portfolios or story books, which offer students authentic and creative ways to share their voices. These options amplify the stories that need to be told.

As we start a new year, it is the perfect time to explore the power of storytelling in education. We can learn from our students' unique approaches and experience the incredible benefits of embracing various digital tools that enable them to share their stories with the world in a comfortable space that builds confidence.

The Power of Storytelling in Education

Storytelling allows students to explore their identities, reflect on experiences, and connect with others. When students tell their stories, they develop essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, creativity, and empathy. It also fosters a sense of belonging and confidence as they realize that their perspectives and experiences matter and can have a tremendous impact on others.

Storytelling promotes more active and meaningful engagement with the content material.Students who share their stories can better connect to their studies orleverage their personal experiences to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. I have experienced this and seen it in my students’ experiences in my classroom. Sharing stories opens us up to vulnerability, but that is not a sign of weakness. Our stories can lift others and help them push through challenges because they learn from the experiences and stories of others.

For example, a history student creating a podcast episode about a historical event from a first-person perspective can engage with the material more deeply than through traditional methods.

Unique Ways Students Can Tell Their Stories

1. Blogging and Digital Journaling

Blogging is something that I have done for years with my students and as an adult. Writing blog posts helps us reflect on our experiences, articulate our ideas, and develop our writing voice. There are different blogging platforms like Google Docs, OneNote, and WordPress, depending on the age of students. However, even having dedicated spaces in different LMS platforms can provide user-friendly environments for students to create and share content and stories.

In my teaching experience, I introduced blogging on paper when I had students write responses to prompts in Spanish many years ago. These written reflections allowed students to process their learning and build confidence in writing, speaking, and collaboration. Today, digital portfolios take this concept further, enabling students to showcase their work to classmates, families, oreven global audiences. Digital journaling tools also promote accessibility, which is so important, and Immersive Reader (available in tools like Wakelet, Microsoft, and other tools) helps to support diverse learning needs and promote accessibility.

2. Podcasting

Podcasts are a great way to boost storytelling and taps into students’ creativity and curiosity. Students can create podcasts to share their thoughts, interview peers, teachers, or experts, and discuss topics they’re truly interested in and passionate about. There are some tools such as Audacity, Anchor, or GarageBand that make podcast creation accessible even for beginners and make it easy for students to get started.

Podcasting builds confidence in speaking and communication skills, especially for students who struggle with public speaking. A student who feels anxious presenting to the class might thrive when allowed to create a podcast episode in a comfortable, controlled environment. Podcasts can also be shared with the school community, allowing students to contribute their voices to broader conversations.

3. Video and Story Creation

Video storytelling is another powerful way for students to express themselves. Whether through the creation and performance of skits, conducting interviews, recording video reflections, or even teaching lessons, video creation allows students to share their thoughts in a personal and engaging way.

In my classroom, students have used tools like WeVideo tocreate their video projects. These tools enable students to narrate stories, record reflections, or collaborate on multimedia projects. Another option is StoryJumper, which lets students design characters, choose backgrounds, and narrate their stories, resulting in personalized digital books.

Video creation fosters creativity and provides authentic insights into students’ thought processes. Teachers can hear the students’ voices, better grasp student understanding, and provide students with personalized feedback. This is particularly valuable for students who feel more comfortable speaking than writing, as it accommodates diverse communication preferences.

4.Collaborative Platforms

Collaborative platforms like Wakelet provide students with versatile storytelling opportunities. With Wakelet, students can curate collections of resources, collaborate with peers on projects, and record Flip videos to document their learning journeys.

For instance, during project-based learning (PBL) activities, my students used Wakelet to create resource collections they shared with classmates. This collaborative approach enhanced their research skills and fostered new ideas and perspectives. Wakelet’s accessibility features, like Immersive Reader, ensure that all students can participate fully in the storytelling process.

Benefits of Storytelling for Students

1. Enhancing Communication Skills

Students can better articulate their thoughts more clearly, whether in writing, speaking, or multimedia formats with storytelling. These communication skills are invaluable in academic and professional settings.

2. Building Confidence

Sharing stories helps students find their voice and gain confidence. Whether narrating a personal experience, discussing a topic they’re passionate about, or reflecting on their learning, students develop a sense of self-assurance through storytelling and become more comfortable and confident in their learning space.

3. Promoting Creativity and Critical Thinking

Creative storytelling encourages students to think critically and find unique ways toconvey their messages. For example, a student creating a video skit about a scientific or other concept must understand the material and think creatively about how to represent it so that others can understand it, too.

4. Fostering Empathy and Connection

When students tell their stories, they share a part of themselves with others. They become vulnerable, and this vulnerability fosters empathy and a closer connection between peers. When this happens, it creates a more supportive classroom environment where diverse perspectives are valued and embraced.

5. Encouraging Reflection

Storytelling prompts students to reflect on their experiences and learning processes. Whether through journaling, video reflections, or digital portfolios, reflective practice deepens their understanding of the material and their personal growth.

Moving Students From Consumers to Creators

We want students to build their skills. By Integrating storytelling into the classroom, we can shift students from being passive consumers of information to developing into active creators. When students create blogs, podcasts, videos, or digital portfolios, they take ownership of their learning and engage with the contentin more meaningful ways. A “creator mindset” enhances engagement and prepares students for future academic and professional success.

As we prepare students for the future and equip them with essential skills, storytelling promotes collaboration, a skill employers highly value and seek. Collaborative storytelling projects—whether creating a group podcast, co-authoring a digital book, or curating a Wakelet collection—teach students how to work effectively with others, resolve conflicts, and share responsibilities.

By leveraging digital platforms and creative approaches, educators can empower students to share their stories in ways that resonate with their unique voices. Whether through blogs, podcasts, videos, or collaborative projects, storytelling builds confidence, fosters creativity, and helps students connect with others in meaningful ways.

As educators, we have many roles. One of them is to provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement our students need to tell their stories. When we do this, we amplify their voices and help them discover the power of their narratives to inspire, inform, and connect.

This article was crafted by Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth, an independent contributor engaged by CheckIT Labs, Inc. to provide insights on this topic.

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