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

Agenda Learning Styles and linking them Using the whole brain

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 Focus – Comfort in the way one learns Focus – Linking styles for more depth Focus – Accessing Information Put it in Get it out

Access The more ways information is put in – the more ways to get it out Think about how one might access information via computer

Access The Brain “thinks” Omnidimensionally Connections – Linking Styles (Changing Formats) AudioVisual Tactile/Kinesthetic

Primary Visual Processing Primary Auditory Processing Primary Auditory Processing Primary Haptic Processing (Front) Primary Processing Areas

Learning 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 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 Strategies Tapes Read, study, review aloud Study partner, group study, class discussions Mnemonics, rhymes, rap, auditory repetition Subvocalize and self-talk

Tactile Strategies Write, draw, diagram, compute, concept maps Finger spell Trace (letters, words, formulas, graphs) “Hands-on” Highlight, multiple colors

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

Haptic 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 Impact

What is Multisensory Learning? Active learning combining multiple modes of sensory input.

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

Summary 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. 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 Board Thank you for completing this module Please respond to the discussion board prompt