Storytelling in education took centre stage at the ECA-APER 11th International Conference—Experiential Learning: Trends and Innovations, held on February 15-16, 2025. As part of the panel discussion titled “Re-imagining Curriculum: Integrating Storytelling in Subject-Specific Learning,” our in-house expert Ms. Darshana Dabke (Senior Consultant & Head of Editorial and Production Department, Chetana Education Limited) shared insights alongside esteemed panelists:
- Ms. Lubaina Bandukwala – Children’s Writer & Founder of Peek A Book Literature Festival
- Ms. Preeti Vyas – President & CEO, Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd.
- Ms. Milla Van Der Burgh – Co-Founder & CEO, Kindiedays, Finland
Each panelist highlighted unique aspects of storytelling in education:
The Author’s Lens – Lubaina Bandukwala emphasized storytelling’s role in fostering creativity and critical thinking in children, making complex subjects engaging and relatable.
Promoting Reading Habits – Preeti Vyas underscored how illustrated narratives, like graphic novels, enhance accessibility and enjoyment in learning.
The Finnish Approach – Milla Van Der Burgh shared Finland’s emphasis on immersive storytelling, hands-on learning, and parental involvement in education.
The Publisher’s Role – Darshana Dabke highlighted the importance of integrating age-appropriate storytelling into academic books to enhance subject comprehension while adhering to curriculum standards.
Moderated by Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta, the discussion captivated the audience, reinforcing that storytelling extends beyond literature. THis enriches science, mathematics, and history, fostering deeper understanding. Educational stalwarts like Swati Popat Ma’am lauded it as the best panel discussion of the day.
Storytelling in education is more than just an engaging strategy, it is a bridge that connects knowledge with imagination, making learning more meaningful. As educators, authors, and publishers, we must continue to champion the integration of storytelling in subject-specific learning, ensuring that education remains both effective and inspiring for future generations.
