Storytelling as a Teaching Method in ESL Classrooms

Abstract: Until now, a lot of work has been done to explore methods for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). Considering the nature of human beings as storytellers, teachers can use storytelling as a teaching method in English classrooms. The aim with this study is to discuss the storytelling teaching method adopted in ESL Classroom. The study is based on class observations on three Internet lessons, namely lessons of English vocabulary, grammar and spoken English. Videos on the Internet are wacthed and the narrative parts in these lessons are recorded. Previous studies related to this subject is on narration in the field of rhetoric and on methods for second language teaching and learning. Some earlier studies concern about  children’s education and military training. The main focus of present study is to analyze stories told by the teacher in the three classes—what they consist of, what effects they would achieve, and how many types of stories are used. In a classroom setting, the teacher is the narrator, students are the audience. Five types of stories are used: stories that are made up by the teacher, cultural backgrounds, stories told with physical responses, personal experiences and everyday life experiences. Anyway, narration is helpful in making the teacher and students closer. Hopefully with the help of present study on the selected lessons, one can find out how teachers use narration in general classroom settings.