Multisensory
Learning
IT 6750 Fall 2007
Heather Bohn
Julie Krause-Singh
Ronna Roberson
Definitions

Any learning activity that
includes two or more
sensory modalities to
take in or express
information

Major categories: visual,
auditory, kinesthetic
Benefits

Provides inclusive education

Increases learner engagement

Greater capacity for learning

Greater knowledge transfer

Improved attitudes toward
learning

Greater achievement
Learning Styles & Preferences
www.LearningStyles.net
Types of Learners
Visual: 30%
 Auditory: 30%
 Kinesthetic: 40%

Visual Learning Style
Example: Visual Lesson
Video Clip: ‘The Mystery of the Human
Skeleton’
http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?vi
ewkey=163ccdba4acc69819f28
Visual Learning Aides
Bar graphs
Charts
Demos
Diagrams
Drawings
Timelines
Iconic images
Illustrations
Flow charts
Concept Maps
Highlighting
Flash cards
Pie charts
Experiments
Field trips
Picture vocab
Manipulatives
Models
Multimedia
Photographs
Videos
Webquests
Visual books
Outlines
Auditory Learning Style

Step-by-step learning
 Verbal review and repetition
 Create songs to go along with subject matter

Thinking done in words
 Study groups (face to face or web cam)
 Podcast instructions

Needs to hear material clearly
 Summarize readings and notes on voice recorder (iPod)
 Record tests or oral presentation
Auditory Learning Style
Traits:





Rapid verbal communication of ideas
Notices sounds in the environment
Remembers names of people; often forgetting faces
Recognizes small shifts in voice intonation
Ease of musical memorization
Example: Auditory Lesson
“The auditory learner has to hear to retain”
Podcast: ‘Piano Lesson’
by Robert Laughlin (July 12, 2005)
http://media.switchpod.com/users/newsam/1120705.mp3
Auditory Learning Aides
Spelling games
Tap spelling
Mnemonics
Debates
Videos
Plays or skits
Interviewing
Reading aloud
Rhythmic clap
Books on tape
Role playing
Story telling
Music
Poetry
Lecture
Rhyming
Kinesthetic Learning Style
Example: Kinesthetic Lesson
Kinesthetic Learning Activities
Air writing
Role playing
Dioramas
Sorting
Drawing
Field trips
Plays & skits
Cooking
Build models
Dance
Painting
Experiments
Scavenger hunt
Activity breaks
Letter tiles
Role playing
Final Thoughts
References

Learning & Teaching: Active & Multisensory Learning
http://hilarymccoll.co.uk/activemulti.html

Learning Styles
http://www.learningstyles.net/

Multisensory Instruction & Learning Styles
http://www.learningabledkids.com/multi_sensory_training/

Auditory Learning
http://www.cuyamaca.net/eops/DSPS/resourcesaud.asp

Instruction Methods: Learning Styles
http://www.districtadministration.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=774

Auditory Learners
http://www2.yk.psu.edu/learncenter/acskills/auditory.html