Multi-sensory Instruction
Multi-sensory instruction is an educational framework that employs a combination of the senses to facilitate the comprehension and memorization of the information. The significance of it is that it touches various learning types, therefore, it is relevant forpupilswith diverse needs, including persons having learning difficulties.
Multi-sensory instruction that includes the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements is the central component. For instance, an instructor teaching a new vocabulary word can display it visually on a board, pronounce it aloud, and have students demonstrate its meaning by performing the word. This method is beneficial for learning to the students as it helps in dealing with different regions of the brain.
Alternative pathways for information processing are offered by Multi-sensory instruction which is helpful for students with learning disabilities. For example, students who are dyslexic may have difficulties in reading; nevertheless, they can use letter tiles as tactile materials to learn phonics through touch, and consequently, it improves their reading and confidence.
A teacher who is conducting a math lesson on addition may make use of visual aids such as counters, auditory components which involve the students to count out loud, and kinesthetic activities making the students physically group objects to present addition problems. This multitude of ways helps students grasp the concept of addition by means of different sensory experiences and thus, enhances their comprehension.
Not being able to do so can be a problem for the teachers who have to deal with lack of resources, highly demanding schedules, and missing out on the professional development training on the same that is required to execute the above idea. For example, some of the classrooms may not have the requisite equipment for a hands-on program and the teachers may have to use their imagination and resources or go for training to master new ideas.