Storytelling in teaching-learning in physiology: opportunity, challenges, and harnessing newer platforms and artificial intelligence

Mondal, Himel; Mondal, Shaikat

doi:10.22038/fmej.2025.90354.1693

Storytelling in teaching-learning in physiology: opportunity, challenges, and harnessing newer platforms and artificial intelligence

Document Type : Narrative Review

Authors

Himel Mondal ¹

Shaikat Mondal ²

¹ Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, India

² Department of Physiology, Raiganj Government Medical College, India

10.22038/fmej.2025.90354.1693

Abstract

Storytelling is an age-old craft of weaving narratives that form one of the most fundamental forms of human expression. Currently, it is being explored for medical education. Implementing storytelling in pre-clinical subjects like Physiology poses challenges due to its content being primarily at the molecular level. Distinguishing storytelling from traditional methods, this article explores the scientific evidence supporting the advantages, such as increased student engagement and comprehension, and challenges, including potential resistance from educators and concerns about scientific accuracy. Evidence-based strategies are proposed to mitigate these challenges, encompassing faculty development programs. Furthermore, this article discusses the potential role of large language models in crafting scientifically accurate and engaging storytelling sessions. Backed by evidence supporting its potential for wider reach and collaborative learning, social media may be an appealing platform for storytelling. Addressing the multimedia aspect, the article discusses essential hardware and software tools for creating visually appealing educational content, acknowledging diverse learning preferences. Hence, this article provides an evidence-based insight into effectively harnessing storytelling in physiology teaching.

Keywords

Multimedia

Social media

Medical education

Students

Faculty

Physiology

Subjects