Using senses in learning
What are some strategies for helping students to use their senses in learning?
Well said. I feel the same way. As a matter of fact, One of my lectures I made all my students put blind folds on so they would focus more on hearing. It was applicable for that particular lecture. Another time I played classical guitar music while they took their exam.
I try to integrate at least three learning styles into instructional blocks, most of my students seem to do better if they can see application, hear key words, and perform the task.
I use demonstration, Youtube videos, PowerPoint Presentations, change of location, and hands on practice, among other items, to incorporate as many of the senses as possible into the learning process. The final step is to request the student to apply their learned concepts in a project piece demonstrating their learning through application or synthesis of new ideas.
Alicia,
Good example. Physical learning (active discussion, groups, teams, labs, skills) engages students, and by default contribute to use of multiple senses.
Barry Westling
Just because some of the senses don't factor in as much, doesn't mean they don't factor in at all. Creating a sensory environment is very important. For example, studies show lavender to be conducive to learning(perhaps the relaxation part?), so a mild air freshener, appropriate lighting, and temperature can contribute just as much as movement on a slide.
Larissa,
Multiple senses do help students retain information.
Barry Westling
Rosalie,
When students are active they are by necessity involving multiple senses.
Barry Westling
Carole,
Glad you found some useful tools from this module.
Barry Westling
Visual is the main strategy, but it is more effective if at least two senses are used at the same time. There is a better chance of the student learning.
This is fun to do in the skills lab for nursing. The students see a demonstration, perform the task, then teach it to another student. See one, do one, teach one.
In the class room, I plan to use more colored pens for highlighting important points and bringing in items that correlate to what I am teaching so the students can see, touch, and smell items such as inhalers.
This class is an eye opener for me. :)
Thank you,
Carole Ray
Bring in media that tests the different senses as you lecture. Having students use those specific senses.
Yes, you really have to have a mixture of the three styles. From having different colors, pictures, font styles in the PowerPoint presentation, to making the students move around or use their hands to show or create more emphasis to what they mean to say and to include sounds of applause or cheer for student participation when answering question in between the topics during reassessment that is incorporated in the PowerPoint.
William,
Yep, this sounds like a sound way to make learning memorable and significant.
Barry Westling
Brandi,
Pretty much, multiple senses will be used anytime there is physical activity, such as in lab or skills-oriented lessons.
Barry Westling
The strategy I use in my class to incorporate all senses and styles of learning is the hands on approach. Whatever I am discussing that day in class I bring a sample of that in the classroom for all the students to share. I give a demonstration first on how something is done then have all the students repeat the process to make sure they have a full understanding of the lesson.
There are several strategies that can be used to help students use their senses in learning. Since not all students learn in the same manner, several different teaching methods should be used. For example, if I am teaching my students how to take a blood pressure on a patient, we will first review the section in the textbook that discusses blood pressure. Next, I demonstrate how to take a blood pressure and we will review the documentation procedures regarding blood pressure. Finally, I allow the students to pair up and practice on each other and follow up the lesson with a written homework assignment. Presenting the topic in verbal, written, and hands-on formats insures I will reach each type of learner and allows them to use several senses over the course of the class.
Heather,
Great! Engagement activities nearly always involve multiple senses, simply by virtue that the students are moving around, active, and participating in their own learning.
Barry Westling
I like to incorporate review activities after new content is presented that involves students moving around the room to match terms and definitions with other students, raising and lowering signs with correct terms, tossing a ball around the room to answer a question, etc. I think these types of review activities are more interesting and I think incorporating movement helps students to remember.
Robin,
Good point, and thanks for sharing.
Barry Westling
