Why Kids Love Audio-Visual Materials When Learning: Multisensory Education

Education has evolved significantly over the years, and one of the most fascinating observations is that children learn better through audio-visual materials. This shift is rooted in the natural learning environment of our ancestors and backed by modern educational research.

From Traditional Learning to Modern Multisensory Methods

Learning from elders within tribal settings was multi-dimensional and inclusive of a range of senses. Children were taken to sacred places, shown forbidden foods, and taught what safe sights and smells looked and smelled like. This approach utilized visual, auditory, kinetic, gustatory, and olfactory experiences, making the learning process immersive and engaging.

Why Lectures and Textbooks Fall Short

Despite the plethora of research supporting the effectiveness of audio-visual materials, many educational settings still rely heavily on traditional methods like lectures and reading. These approaches are often the most common way to deliver content and expect comprehension. However, research has conclusively shown that these methods are among the least effective for genuine learning.

According to educational psychologist Oliver Sacks, multisensory learning is far more reinforcing and effective. This method leverages multiple senses, making the learning experience more engaging and memorable.

Enhancing Learning with Multiple Senses

People generally learn best when multiple senses are involved in the learning process. Audio-visual materials combine visual and aural inputs, which is more effective than auditory or visual materials alone. By engaging both the sight and the hearing, information is recorded in more than one part of the brain, making it more likely to be remembered and retained.

Using multiple senses also breaks the monotony often associated with visual or auditory learning. Most teachers tend to favor their own preferred modality, whether it be visual or auditory. However, it is crucial to provide lessons that are optimally tailored to the individual's best learning style. Multimedia materials, which include elements such as touch, smell, taste, and movement, offer a more comprehensive learning experience.

Practical Examples of Multisensory Learning

One example of effective multisensory education is a classroom focused on teaching about California missions. A teacher utilized various multisensory inputs to create an unforgettable learning experience:

Touch: Students made models of missions. Kinetic: Students learned a traditional Mexican dance. Sight: Students read their textbooks. Hearing: Students learned to sing a themed song. Taste and Smell: Parents were invited to cook traditional meals, engaging the sense of taste and smell.

As a result of this immersive and multisensory approach, the students retained a significant amount of information years later. This method has been replicated across various subjects, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing long-term retention and engagement.

Conclusion: Multisensory Education for a Better Learning Experience

By integrating audio-visual materials and multisensory learning, educators can provide students with a more enriching and effective learning experience. This approach not only enhances engagement and retention but also caters to individual learning styles, making the educational process more inclusive and enjoyable for all students.

Keyword: audio-visual learning, multisensory education, educational effectiveness