Keeping students focused and engaged is one thing; recognizing when we (the instructors) are losing their attention is another. I believe that storytelling can be useful in several ways. Creative storytelling can peak interest, allow for student input/feedback/participation as well as provide a way to teach the students from an experience. I like the idea of handing out 3x5 notecards to allow all students to participate in class discussions. Not everyone is comfortable with talking in front of a roomful of peers, but they may have wonderful ideas/input. This allows all students the opportunity to get their thoughts/input/feedback made known.
