An Innovation for Developing Creative Storytelling Skills among International Students

Abstract

This research aimed 1) to study the elements and linguistic artistry found in children’s stories; 2) to develop an innovation for enhancing creative storytelling skills among international students; and 3) to investigate learners’ satisfaction after using the innovation. The study employed documentary research and analyzed 15 award-winning children’s stories selected from works recognized by the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) between 2020 and 2025. The analysis was conducted using conceptual frameworks related to language use, story elements, storytelling techniques, and thematic content. The results of the analysis were then used to develop an online learning innovation designed to enhance creative storytelling skills among international students. In addition, a learner satisfaction questionnaire was developed to assess students’ perceptions of the innovation. The findings showed that the linguistic artistry in children’s stories was evident in the use of seven categories of words: compound words, reduplicated words, synonymous compounds, greeting words, reinforcing words, exclamatory words, and vocative words. The stories also employed three sentence types—declarative, interrogative, and imperative—and 5 types of figurative language: simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, and onomatopoeia. Regarding narrative structure, the stories featured appropriate plots, characters, and settings, while their themes conveyed moral values such as self-sacrifice, honesty, and responsibility. Based on these findings, the innovation was designed as an online electronic learning medium consisting of 4 learning units: (1) language use in stories, (2) story elements and storytelling techniques, (3) plot development and story-writing practice, and (4) the creation of creative stories. When piloted with the sample group, the innovation demonstrated an efficiency score (E1/E2) of 70.78/74.08, which was higher than the established criterion of 70/70. The students also expressed a high level of satisfaction with the innovation. It improved their understanding of Thai language use, plot organization, and character creation, enabling them to write Thai stories more accurately and creatively. Therefore, the developed innovation can be considered effective and suitable for enhancing the writing skills of international students.