The main sense that is used in learning is sight. Therefore, as an instructor trying to get main points across the use of power point slides and posters are a good tool. Power point slides are ineffective if they contain too much information though. Each slide should contain a maximum of four to five main points so the student doesn't get overwhelmed and can focus on the material at hand.
Gary,
Anatomy provides an especially unique opportunity to explore organs and tissues through the use of multiple senses. Many times these become lifelong memorable experiences that promote learning for the now, and applicability for the future.
Barry Westling
Megan,
Cool. I've done something similar by having students attempt to draw an object based only on directions from one student who can't say the name of the object. This is an exercise in communications, but could be applied to other learning topics.
Barry Westling
Megan,
Certainly. Incorporating more senses can only improve the student learning outcomes.
Barry Westling
Senses make for a complete learning experience. Individuals learn through different styles by making these styles available we as instructors are contributing to the total learning experience.
In anatomy the studenst have available to them written, oral, and actual hands on. It is really cool to see a student who struggles with written grasp and and actually have a command of the subject when they can apply it to an actual specimen or item they can feel.
One method that recently worked for me was describing an item to a fellow student, but not using the name of that item. My students need to keep imagining what the person was describing, and it was truly a teachable moment.
Megan
The five senses are what I use to teach in the classroom, so why not incorporate that into your lesson and activities? I know, as a visual learner, that I need to see the end result to understand it, and many of my students are similar.
Megan
Kendall,
More senses are always better than just the same old methods day after day. It really doesn't take too much creativity to think and plan for alternative and more interesting ways to present information.
Barry Westling
I try to keep my powerpoints simple and print them with only 3 slides per page so students are encouraged to take notes, involving another sense. I play videos whenever possible as well.
Lito,
Nice sentiments. It's true that nearly everything associated with pleasure, reward, achievement, or personal satisfaction will likely be remembered. Boy, integrating activities that students receive as pleasurable or significant to them in every class session ought to be our goal. I liken this a little bit to the "what's in it for me" idea, in that if we can get students to see benefit or value to them personally by our instructional methods, they would surely retain important pearls of information we want them to possess.
Barry Westling
We grow up using our senses to determine whether we're going to like certain things introduced to us or not. We liked certain food from the first bite we've taken, others kind of grow on us because they are available to us more so than others. We get to like certain games/activity because we get better at it the more we do it. Learning is the same way; It's how it was introduced to us. Did we like our first day of school because it was fun, tried new things and really liked it? Or did we like school because we get better at certain activities the more we do it?
There is a statement I received from my students almost a decade or so ago, on a miniature blackboard they made with these words written on it: "What we learned with pleasure, we never forget."
We not only need to know our students learning style, but we also need to use our senses as educators; see, listen, and feel what our students are experiencing in the classroom. Are they having fun while learning to do something that is new to them? Are they getting it the first time you introduced it to them or do you have to try to present it in a different way before they actually get it?
"What they learned with pleasure, they never forget."
Jackie,
Yes, more senses enhance learning. Of course there are other senses that can be amplified as well, such as balance, pressure, temperature, pain, and movement. Depending on the topic, an activity involving one or more special or general sense will tend to promote lasting retention of information. A great example I share with students is how smelling a certain fragrance or odor can instantly back a memory of some experience. So it can be for students in their learning adventures.
Barry Westling
Sight, sound, smell, touch and taste are all variables in the way that information can be presented to students regardless of the material to be covered. Examples can be made, textures can be felt, words can be spoken, and so on. Somewhere in that mix, with judicious use of common sense and knowledge of the student population, an instructor can stimulate the senses in each student so that their learning is optimized.
Gregg,
Depending on the topic, other senses can be introduced that create lasting memorries, and that creates improved retention of information. We relay so much on what we see, hear, or feel, but other senses can be cultivated in the classroom or lab to enhance learning. A little creative thought can usually devise several alternative exercises that can be fun, instructional, and memorable.
Barry Westling
Vary teaching techniques. Aside from lecturing (auditory), use Powerpoints (visual). Bring in items to hand out to students (tactile). By varying the techniques, students will learn in different ways
Joseph,
Great example. I've done sensory deprivation activities too, (to simulate imparierd patients), and it's a really mind expanding experience. We rely on our auditory, visual and touch senses so much, getting students awrae of other senosry stimulation is difinetly worth the practical application.
Barry Westling
I teach Massage Therapy and one of the most profound and effective exercises we have done actually involves robbing the students of their vision (blindfolded massage) Their body mechanics improved dramatically they were quiet and more focused. Several reported being able to "see" their student-clients body/muscles in their minds eye.
Cassandra,
Most students rely on all three learning styles (visual, kinesthetic, auditory), although one is usually more dominant. By adding an additional sensory stimulation to the learning environment can only help student retention of key or essential material to be learned.
Barry Westling
Senses in learning is important in that I look at my students in that they are hands on learners. The visual works for a little bit if there is not too much information. They are a young group so the attention span is sometimes a litte short.
Cassandra
Jason,
Right. Multiple senses used in the instructional process leads to better retention and perhaps stimulates critical thinking a bit more than without.
Barry Westling
