The theory behind learning and encouraging behavioral change with stories is complex and, as with all matters regarding the working of the human brain, there is still much research to be carried out before it is fully explored, understood and explained. In brief, stories are taken in and understood at the first attention level. This first attention level occurs when the brain is in beta state. The diagram link below shows the four basic brain states.
When a person listens to a story, both sides of the brain are working. The left brain is processing the words while the right brain is actively filling in the gaps. This is the reason why it is so important to read to children, to allow their brains to imagine the story rather than using television and films for all their learning. Good story writers carefully choose visual, auditory, kinesthetic and olfactory words to give the story depth and to stimulate the right brain to enrich the meaning of the story and store it in the memory for easy recall.
The information in the story can also be captured at the second attention level as the brain searches for a deeper meaning. At this level, the right brain is often favored as relationships and patterns are developed. Processing can be in either the beta or alpha state but it is an unconscious process - that is, we are not aware that we are doing it. The second attention level is where the story is reformulated to have personal relevance. Sometimes the story stays at this level and causes unconscious behavioral change, or it can rise into the first attention level through an 'A-ha!' reaction.
It is vital that the story, myth, legend or whatever is chosen, is selected carefully. Ideally the story should be easily understood at the first attention level but stimulate a search for a deeper meaning at some time in the future.
For more information: You can read the Nelson Mandela's book, Long Walk to Freedom (Mandela, 1995) illustrates exactly how this process works.
Cheers.. !!!
"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow..."
Bik@sh...
visit us at www.shabbarsuterwala.com
Belum ada komentar untuk "[LeadersWorkshop] The Basic Theory of Learning with Stories"
Post a Comment