Multi-Sensory LearningMulti-Sensory Learning

Theory and Practical Applications

ATP Online WorkshopWinter 2009Jim ValkenburgDelta College

ATP Online WorkshopWinter 2009Cora DzubakPenn State --York

AgendaAgenda

• Learning Styles and linking them

• Using the whole brain

What are Learning Styles?

What are Learning Styles?

• Sensory means used to learn new information– Visual– Read/Write– Aural/Auditory– Kinesthetic/Tactile

•Kinesthetic and tactile styles are also called haptic styles

– Multi-Modal

Why Knowing and Linking Learning

Styles Is Important

Why Knowing and Linking Learning

Styles Is Important • Focus

– Comfort in the way one learns• Focus

– Linking styles for more depth• Focus

– Accessing Information• Put it in• Get it out

AccessAccess

• The more ways information is put in – the more ways to get it out

• Think about how one might access information via computer

AccessAccess

• The Brain “thinks” Omnidimensionally

• Connections – Linking Styles (Changing Formats)

Audio Visual

Tactile/Kinesthetic

Primary Visual Processing

Primary Auditory Processing

Primary Auditory Processing

Primary Haptic Processing

(Front)

Primary Processing Areas

Learning Techniques for Specific Learning StylesLearning Techniques for Specific Learning Styles

• Each learning style has a particular set of techniques that one can use to increase learning for that style

• The following slides present some techniques one might use

Visual StrategiesVisual Strategies

• Flashcards, charts, maps, tables, graphs, outlines

• To-do lists, calendars, day planners, post-it notes

• Symbols, initials, abbreviations• Highlight (multiple colors)• Mental Imagery

Auditory StrategiesAuditory Strategies

• Tapes• Read, study, review aloud• Study partner, group study, class

discussions• Mnemonics, rhymes, rap, auditory

repetition• Subvocalize and self-talk

Tactile StrategiesTactile Strategies

• Write, draw, diagram, compute, concept maps

• Finger spell• Trace (letters, words, formulas,

graphs)• “Hands-on”• Highlight, multiple colors

Kinesthetic StrategiesKinesthetic Strategies

• Move, walk, pace, change positions• Gestures• Frequent breaks,stretch, swing arms• “Active” learning

Haptic StrategiesHaptic Strategies

• Pace with materials in hand (note cards, book, etc.)

• Finger spell, draw, calculate while standing or pacing

• “Act it out” and practice teaching

Learning Styles ImpactLearning Styles Impact

What is Multisensory Learning?

What is Multisensory Learning?

• Active learning combining multiple modes of sensory input.

Why Teach Multisensory Learning?

Why Teach Multisensory Learning?

• Multiple modes of sensory input– Increase attention and concentration

• Multiple methods of processing– Increase comprehension

• Multiple storage sites– Increase retention

• Multiple areas of access– Increase memory (recall)

Multisensory LearningMultisensory Learning

• Multisensory learning offers:

– Multiple modes of sensory input (attention-concentration)

– Multiple methods of processing (comprehension)

– Multiple storage sites (retention)

– Multiple opportunities for access (memory)

Remember toRemember to• Minimize stress/pressure as new

tasks are learned• Use humor• Introduce multisensory learning

techniques• Promote repetition and review to

lock information in memory• Provide opportunities to practice

Variables Affecting Learning

Variables Affecting Learning

• Information Type Visual

Auditory

Tactile

Kinesthetic

Haptic

• Internal Factors Motivation

Attitude

Persistence

Curiosity

Physiological

External Factors

Sound

Temperature

Lighting

Time of Day

Comfort

Social

Tutoring Strategies to Improve Learning AbilityTutoring Strategies to

Improve Learning Ability

• Provide challenging and novel problems to students.

• Frequent ask comprehensive questions.• Use games or puzzles to stimulate

thinking.• Require application of information.

Tutoring Strategies to Improve Learning AbilityTutoring Strategies to

Improve Learning Ability

• Require meaningful learning – Link Bloom’s Levels

• Expect use of critical thinking skills.• Present situations that require analysis

and synthesis of information.• Encourage discussion and questions.• Use “real-life” scenarios.• Use humor.

Mismatch Between Tutoring and Learning

Mismatch Between Tutoring and Learning

• Boredom• Inattentive and distractible• Confusion• Poor understanding and comprehension• Minimal interaction• Poor attendance• Inefficient and ineffective study• Poor retention and recall

SummarySummary

• Knowing their learning style prepares students to maximize their strengths while “remediating” their weakness.

• Multisensory and active learning stimulates the brain, increasing concentration.

Summary cont.Summary cont.

• Multiple modes of sensory input, combined with repetition and review, strengthen memory by use of multiple storage sites.

• Multiple storage sites increase the likelihood that one will find the information one wants.

Discussion BoardDiscussion Board

• Thank you for completing this module

• Please respond to the discussion board prompt