What is the pedagogical purpose of using storytelling in TEFL?

Using storytelling in TEFL serves the significant pedagogical purpose of enhancing comprehension and retention of language through narrative structure. When learners engage with stories, they are exposed to vocabulary and grammatical structures within a meaningful context, which makes it easier for them to understand and remember the language. The narrative structure of stories naturally engages students, encouraging them to follow along and connect emotionally with the content. This not only helps with language acquisition but also facilitates discussion and higher-order thinking, as students often respond to the themes and characters within stories, allowing for a deeper exploration of the language being studied.

Incorporating storytelling into lessons also fosters a more dynamic learning environment, where students become active participants in their learning process. This contrasts with approaches that might limit engagement, present complex grammar in isolation without context, or discourage creative thinking, which are less effective in promoting language skills. Ultimately, storytelling equips learners with both linguistic and cognitive skills essential for language mastery.