Why Stories Matter in the Classroom

"For me, September always means the excitement of a new academic semester-as the leaves begin to fall and the weather becomes crisp and clear, college students return to the classroom ready to engage in the creative process of learning. Unfortunately, this rosy picture of academic bliss does not quite capture the present moment. For many reasons, college students are facing more challenges than ever before."

"It is not surprising that young adults today are more anxious and depressed than previous generations and are more worried about the value of a college education in terms of job prospects and loan repayments. These are legitimate concerns but often work to undermine the opportunities that a college education provides-the opportunity to explore both oneself and the world around us, to learn to appreciate and critically evaluate multiple perspectives, to read widely,"

"College is not about what you learn but how you learn to learn. And storytelling is a critical part of this process. In a recent edition of the Emory College student newspaper, The Wheel, Joshua Glazer writes that "students would benefit from more storytelling in class and less PowerPoints." He argues that students and teachers sharing their experiences together provides a more concrete and textured foundation for learning."

Young adults are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and disconnection amid post-pandemic realities and rapid technological change such as artificial intelligence. Many students worry about the economic value of college, job prospects, and loan repayment, which can undermine exploratory and critical educational opportunities. College should prioritize learning how to learn, including appreciating multiple perspectives, reading widely, and interacting with others. Storytelling functions as a pedagogical tool that connects learners, concretizes abstract material, and fosters a textured foundation for understanding. Shared narratives help create productive learning communities where students can engage, reflect, and find individual pathways.

Read at Psychology Today