Anton Trstenjak Institute of Gerontology Slovenia. The pilot – testing of methods – took place between 23 and 24 January 2025 in Dobrna spa resort, during the annual 3-days workshop for seniors. There were 18 seniors to test the method. The testing was carried out by Tatjana Prašnikar Đuran who took part in international workshop for educators.
First the workshop leaders presented ITOSA project, its goals and activities.
Then the participants were divided into smaller groups and tested the method according to the instructions from the learning program.
They all liked storytelling method and the way it was introduced and presented.
As they all know how to tell stories they did not expect to learn anything new. But in the given context and after taking part in the games and exercises, they were surprised to realize what else storytelling can be.
…” Storytelling is my natural “state”, as I talk a lot, too much, as others say. So, I did not expect too much from this workshop. But I was surprised” …
… “For me it was difficult to reveal personal stories to people I hardly know. I prefer telling stories about other people”…
The participants might use some of the techniques and games they learned at the workshop in their everyday life, when playing with kids, with peers – other seniors etc.
For the ITOSA project itself: by testing the method with seniors, we got the feedback that this method is very suitable for this target group.