Topic Eight: Stimulating multi-sensory learning
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this reading you will be able to:
1. Describe the research that supports the use of multi-sensory stimulation during the learning process
2. Demonstrate how the use of multi-sensory learning is facilitated
3. Differentiate the three primary modalities of learning stimulated during multi-sensory learning
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this reading you will be able to:
1. Describe the research that supports the use of multi-sensory stimulation during the learning process
2. Demonstrate how the use of multi-sensory learning is facilitated
3. Differentiate the three primary modalities of learning stimulated during multi-sensory learning
Conceptual Framework: Facilitating multi-sensory learning
Multi-sensory stimulation that prompts an emotional arousal will tend to result in a memorable learning experience. Ideally, getting the five senses stimulated during exposure to an important piece of information will result in a simultaneous activation of the brain's receptor sites for sensory perception. This simultaneous exposure to stimuli will tend to enhance the processing of the sensory information for each. This results in stronger "encoding" of the information received during the multi-sensory experience. This, in turn, results in enhanced recall of the information learned and enhanced chance for transfer-of-learning at a future date. There is no need to "help" learners to become multi-sensory. They already are! Rather, the role of the learning facilitator is to create an environment for learning that utilizes a multi-sensory approach to information delivery. Simultaneously, stimulating the learners visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and taste sensory receptors makes it easier for the learner's brain to organize and integrate the information that is being presented so that it is more readily available for recall later. A multi-sensory responsive learning environment helps learners to be more actively engaged in the learning process.
Doyle, T. (2011). Learner-centered teaching. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
Multi-sensory stimulation that prompts an emotional arousal will tend to result in a memorable learning experience. Ideally, getting the five senses stimulated during exposure to an important piece of information will result in a simultaneous activation of the brain's receptor sites for sensory perception. This simultaneous exposure to stimuli will tend to enhance the processing of the sensory information for each. This results in stronger "encoding" of the information received during the multi-sensory experience. This, in turn, results in enhanced recall of the information learned and enhanced chance for transfer-of-learning at a future date. There is no need to "help" learners to become multi-sensory. They already are! Rather, the role of the learning facilitator is to create an environment for learning that utilizes a multi-sensory approach to information delivery. Simultaneously, stimulating the learners visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and taste sensory receptors makes it easier for the learner's brain to organize and integrate the information that is being presented so that it is more readily available for recall later. A multi-sensory responsive learning environment helps learners to be more actively engaged in the learning process.
Doyle, T. (2011). Learner-centered teaching. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
Example
When I am presenting a workshop or training session, I always include the following:
1. Clay for the participants to manipulate with their hands and distract them from cell phones
2. Dark chocolate to stimulate taste and smell
3. Video or photos that provide concrete examples of each concept
4. Self-assessment questions or discussion topics at 12 minute intervals
When I am presenting a workshop or training session, I always include the following:
1. Clay for the participants to manipulate with their hands and distract them from cell phones
2. Dark chocolate to stimulate taste and smell
3. Video or photos that provide concrete examples of each concept
4. Self-assessment questions or discussion topics at 12 minute intervals
Multi-sensory activities that nurture learning
As a tool for multi-sensory stimulation, concept mapping cannot be over-emphasized. This mult-sensory activity stimulates meta-cognition that leads to deeper understanding of material to be learned (Doyle, 2011). I require students to form groups of two or three and develop a concept map for each major topic in child development and educational psychology. Learners develop a visual structure, that is constructed manually, of a conceptual framework that they will, then verbally articulate.
As a tool for multi-sensory stimulation, concept mapping cannot be over-emphasized. This mult-sensory activity stimulates meta-cognition that leads to deeper understanding of material to be learned (Doyle, 2011). I require students to form groups of two or three and develop a concept map for each major topic in child development and educational psychology. Learners develop a visual structure, that is constructed manually, of a conceptual framework that they will, then verbally articulate.
Self-Assessment
1. When you were in school, what was the typical manner in which material for you to learn was presented?
2. As a learner what is your primary modality for learning? (Do you think that you are predominately a visual, auditory, or tactile-kinesthetic learner?)
3. Give an example of what type of environment is most helpful for your learning
1. When you were in school, what was the typical manner in which material for you to learn was presented?
2. As a learner what is your primary modality for learning? (Do you think that you are predominately a visual, auditory, or tactile-kinesthetic learner?)
3. Give an example of what type of environment is most helpful for your learning