Connect with Kids Network uses the art of storytelling, the Mutual Aid methodology and See-Feel-Change strategies to inspire positive behavior and motivate social action. The company uses a research-proven, peer-to-peer production model that allows students and adults to connect through the power of real-life stories and video.
CWK develops and designs all classroom materials to incorporate the following general requirements of the Common Core Standards:
- Programs allow students to gain, evaluate, and present increasingly complex information, ideas, and evidence through listening and speaking.
- Programs encourage academic discussion in one-on-one, small group, and whole class settings in which students collaborate to answer questions, build understanding, and solve problems.
- Programs provide opportunities for students to grow their vocabularies through a mix of conversations, direct instruction, and reading.
- Programs integrate technology and media in school and life for 21st century learning.
- Programs provide evidence-based materials that accelerate students toward career and college readiness and demonstrate research-proven usability and efficacy with a full range of students.
The Art of Story Telling
Experts call it “see-feel-change,” an approach that fuels action by sparking emotion and using the power of storytelling and peer-to-peer connections to create powerful, heart-felt associations.
John Kotter, author of The Heart of Change and professor at Harvard University, developed some of the strategies CWK incorporates in story-telling and video production techniques. CWK research further validates Kotter’s findings that behavior changes are more likely to occur through an emotional rather than data driven process. When students or adults watch a compelling story through video, the experience creates an emotional impact that is far more likely to instigate behavior change than more traditional teaching approaches.
Kotter notes that in organizations he studied, the see-feel-change dynamic is most successful through the use of story telling in video. “I discovered eons ago the power and the magic of using video to create the kind of emotional connection that enables behavior change,” says Kotter.
Excerpt from Creating Learning Impact: An Interview with John Kotter Chief Learning Officer Solutions for Enterprise Productivity – 4/29/08
Mutual Aid and Strength in Numbers
Mutual Aid recognizes the power of one’s peer group as a vehicle for solving common problems. The peer group provides a forum for trying out new behaviors; giving and receiving feedback; providing positive support; and learning to help and support others through the aid of a trusted adult. There is something special in hearing others articulate similar feelings and experiences. Through Mutual Aid the audience discovers that they are not alone in their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, which is sometimes referred to as the “strength in numbers” phenomenon.
The Medium Reinforces the Message
Through the power of video and technology, students, parents and educators learn at an emotional and intellectual level that provides a greater opportunity for positive behavior change. Research shows that children and adults who emotionally connect with an experience are more likely to make life-long behavioral change than those who just received information about that experience. Video is an emotional medium and an excellent vehicle for allowing students to connect to the experience of another person.