KOTESOL National Conference 2018
Workshop (45 minutes)
Roger Fusselman, Joongbu University
The How and Why of Teaching Storytelling Structure
Abstract
Storytelling is a creative form of expression that engages the speaker’s mind and emotions. It appeals to all audiences, and has become increasingly important as a means of discussion and persuasion. Unfortunately, concepts such as conflict, climax, and resolution can be difficult to conceptualize and to learn. This presentation emphasizes the skills and techniques needed to present storytelling, based on the story spine, a concept developed in improvisational theater developed by Kenn Adams. Highly adaptable and used even among filmmakers at Pixar, the story spine was developed as a tool to help people create stories spontaneously. It is flexible enough and simple enough to use for instruction across different learners in different circumstances. Attendees will see a story spine develop spontaneously from attendees themselves, then look into how to replicate similar results with their own students. These techniques include what language items to teach when introducing the story spine, what example to introduce and elicit from students, how to model from student ideas and examples, and other points of scaffolding. Student groups discussed include young learners, reading-comprehension students, college freshmen, and business English students. Attendees are invited to contribute their own ideas for how to teach storytelling structure in the classroom.
Biographicals
Roger Fusselman is a long-time member of and presenter for KOTESOL. He has taught at Seoul National University of Education, Sookmyung Women's University, and now teaches at Joongbu University, Goyang campus. He is a prominent figure in Toastmasters in Korea and a member of Seoul City Improv. Email: mrfusselman@gmail.com
See the list of Presentations at the KOTESOL 2018 National Conference
