Module 1C: What is Multisensory learning?
Exploration of the world around us involves seeing, hearing, smelling, touching and even sometimes tasting an object. Multisensory routes to the brain increase the ability to understand particularly if there is a barrier or deficit in information received via a single sense.
This is why multisensory learning, learning that involves two or more senses in the same activity, is so important and engaging for all learners, and especially those with SEND.
When you’re planning learning activities, you might ask yourself if you could make it more visual or how you could involve movement or touch to make it more likely for the learner to engage, understand and remember the learning experience.
Key Points
- Multisensory learning involves using two or more different sensory stimuli in a learning activity
- Sensory stimulation enables learners to maintain and develop their sensory skills and learn using their stronger sensory skills
- Multisensory learning is more accessible and meaningful for learners with SEND although all benefit from it
Thinking Point
Think of a learning activity you currently deliver. Which senses does this activity involve at the moment? How could you include one more sensory experience to extend and enrich the learning?