Multi-Sensory Learning Theory and Practical Applications ATP Online Workshop Winter 2009 Jim Valkenburg Delta College ATP Online Workshop Winter 2009 Cora Dzubak Penn State --York
Dec 28, 2015
Multi-Sensory LearningMulti-Sensory Learning
Theory and Practical Applications
ATP Online WorkshopWinter 2009Jim ValkenburgDelta College
ATP Online WorkshopWinter 2009Cora DzubakPenn State --York
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
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.