narratives alter our
BRAIN
CHEMISTRY
EXPOSITION RESOLUTION
CLIMAX
OXYTOCIN
(social bonding) increases
feeling of empathy when we
relate to characters
CORTISOL
(fi ght or fl ight)
puts us on high
alert as confl ict
arises
DOPAMINE
(rewards) is released if we
enjoy the story outcome
The arc of a good story
keeps us hooked
z
M
OPOPO
POPO
OPO
TEACHING WITH
NARRATIVES
boosts learning in the college classroom
When we hear
FACTS
only our language
processing
centers activate
When we hear
NARRATIVES
multiple areas of the
brain are activated
Whether the story is
HEARD, READ, OR WATCHED
our brains are activated just the same
NARRATIVES
• Create a stronger connection
with students
• Relax students and lower barriers
• Engage and hold the learner's
attention
• Give diffi cult concepts real context
• Make facts more memorable
• Encourage students to share
their own experiences
Narratives
exist in
every
culture
ii
