Stories That Stick: How Real-World Scenarios Spark Change

This session is part of the Design Better Learning Series and offered in partnership with Nancy Bacon Consulting. The 3-part series is designed for nonprofit & social sector educators who want to create more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning experiences. This series offers practical, adult learning research-informed strategies to help you deliver learning that truly makes a difference.
All sessions take place from 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST. Members use code NHnonprofits10 at checkout for 10% discount.

You want your training to be engaging. You want to give them opportunities to practice key ideas. A case study is a great way to do that, but how do you craft one that will deliver learning in the end?

In this workshop, we’ll explore how short, real-world stories—grounded in your organization’s everyday work—can become powerful tools for training and professional development.

You will learn how to design and deliver simple case studies and scenarios that go beyond sharing information. Rooted in adult learning theory, behavioral psychology, and effective communication strategies, these story-driven approaches can prompt reflection, reshape mindsets, and reinforce mission-aligned behaviors.

Whatever kind of training you are delivering, well-crafted micro-stories can stick with the people you are teaching in ways that traditional lectures or handbooks often can’t. You will leave with adaptable frameworks, examples, and a clearer understanding of why storytelling works—and how to make it work in their own context.

About the Presenter

Chris Wagar is an Associate Professor of Adult Education and an instructional designer at Columbia Basin College. He has collaborated with subject matter experts to develop programs and courses in health sciences, mathematics, transitional studies, and career and technical education. He has also led statewide faculty training initiatives for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

In addition to his work in higher education, Chris is the co-founder and senior producer of Time Magic Studios, a video production company that helps mission-driven organizations tell powerful, impactful stories. He draws on instructional design and case study methods to train his team and highlight the value of organizations’ work—emphasizing storytelling as a tool for both learning and advocacy. Chris first witnessed the power of video while serving in the U.S. Peace Corps in St. Lucia, where he produced a documentary about the Caribbean Youth Empowerment Project. The film helped secure critical grant funding by showcasing the program’s impact on underserved youth.

Chris is a committed supporter of local nonprofits, civic groups, and the arts. He has served on the boards of Leadership Tri-Cities, the ARC of Tri-Cities, and the Academy of Children’s Theater, as well as the City of Kennewick’s Arts Commission.