We’ll take you through the principles and best practices of multimodal learning,

digging into:

 Multimodal learning definition

 Importance of multimodal learning
 Multimodal learning strategies
 5 Guidelines for creating a multimodal learning environment
 5 Examples of multimodal learning activities for the classroom

We’ll also include a condensed and printable list of multimodal learning

strategies and guidelines for your desk!

School leader? Prodigy is a multimodal learning tool that can support

students’ individual needs. Fill out the form below to see your building’s
users!

What is multimodal learning?

Multimodal learning in education means teaching concepts using multiple modes.
Modes are channels of information, or anything that communicates meaning in
some way, including:

 Pictures
 Illustrations
 Audio
 Speech
 Writing and print
 Music
 Movement
 Gestures
 Facial expressions
 Colors

And much more!

Modes are experienced in different ways by each of the senses — usually visual,
auditory or tactile. They often interact with each other, creating a dynamic learning
experience. For instance, an educational video might include speech, images, music
and text — all of which can enhance a student’s learning experience.
 Various modes of communication. Image
source: Region 10 ESC
Teachers should combine two or more multimodal learning modes to provide a
well-rounded educational experience. Since school environments have diverse
student populations with a wide variety of learning styles, a multimodal approach
helps each student achieve academic success in their own way.
To properly implement multimodal learning, you first need to understand learning
styles.

What are learning styles?

Learning styles group together different ways individuals prefer to learn. They
categorize people based on their “style” of learning, or the way they learn best.
Every individual has a unique learning preference that falls into one, some or all of
these categories.
Consider this scenario:
Imagine someone is explaining a new concept to you, and you’re having trouble
understanding them.
What will help you understand the best — is it:

 Seeing a diagram or illustration about the concept?

 The person repeating themselves, or explaining things verbally in further
detail?
 Seeing a written explanation?
 Connecting the concept to a real-life example?

Think about your answer to this question, then consider what your friends or family
would pick. Are the answers different?
Many people have different answers and some might wish to choose a combination
of them. This is the concept of learning styles, at its core.

The VARK model of learning

There are a few different models to explain learning styles. One of the most
popular is the VARK model, created by New Zealand teacher, Neil Fleming.

VA
RK model. Image source: Kompas Muda
The subsections of the VARK model are:

 Visual — these people learn best by seeing, responding to visual cues like
images, graphs or charts. They might be distracted by seeing things outside.
  Aural — these people learn best by hearing, responding to auditory cues
like verbal instruction, discussions or songs. They might be distracted by
outside noises.
 Read/Write — this is sometimes listed as a subsection of the visual category,
but the VARK model puts it in its own category. These people learn best
by reading and writing, responding to written cues like lecture notes, books
and cue cards. They might be distracted by poorly worded text, or text that
doesn’t match speech.
 Kinesthetic — these people learn best by doing, responding to tactile cues
like movement, actions and real-life examples. They might be distracted by
uncomfortable seats or room temperatures.

Students can answer the VARK questionnaire to discover their own learning style.
Other personality tests, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, offer more insight
into how individuals learn best.

The multimodal learning style

Some people strongly prefer one of the four learning types. But many others have a
shared preference among two or more types, making them multimodal learners.
Multimodal learners have a near-equal preference for different learning modes and
can receive input from any of these modes. Some multimodal learners, however,
are different and require multiple inputs to learn.

Image source: VARK
A multimodal learning style works most effectively with many communication
inputs, or modes. A multimodal learner will thrive in a comprehensive learning
environment that uses visual, auditory and kinesthetic inputs — both verbal and
non-verbal — including videos, images, actions, real-life examples and hands-on
activities.

Why is multimodal learning important?

Students come to school with a wide variety of learning styles. As such, the ideal
educational experience should represent all modes and support each of these
styles.
Multimodality supports a universal design for learning by communicating concepts
in the most effective ways and making sure everyone gets exactly what they need.
For instance, having:

 Both text and audio supports reading and  hearing

 Images and animation can help focus attention
 Examples can aid understanding

Multimodal learning can also benefit children and improve abilities. Research from
Cisco found students who were given a combination of text and visuals learned
better than those who only received text inputs. Compared to the more rigid
unimodal learning you might picture when you think of traditional classroom
settings, multimodal learning is more effective at teaching.

So
urce: Cisco
Similarly, a study on English language learners found improvements in student
writing abilities when they used multimodal learning strategies. Another
study found most students prefer to have visual inputs involved in lessons, rather
than text alone.
Most interactions are multimodal. There are very few occasions where someone
communicates using just one mode, so teaching children should be the same.
Using one mode to teach — for example, reading from a textbook — doesn’t
stimulate students’ minds or prepare them for real world situations.

Multimodal learning strategies

You know it’s important, but how can you support multimodal learning at your
school?
To come up with useful multimodal learning strategies, it’s best to look at strategies
for each learning style.
The chart below outlines strategies for educators to support each learning style. It
also includes studying strategies for students, often referred to as SWOT, or “study
without tears.”

Strategies for each learning style

Learning Teaching strategies for this SWOT strategies for

Style style students

Visual  Use textbooks with  Use graphic organizers

plenty of pictures and like charts, diagrams or
diagrams maps to formulate
 Include visual elements ideas
in lessons, like  Pick a planner with lots
slideshows or videos of images and colors
 Let students organize  Highlight key concepts
their thoughts in with color-coded
flowcharts, diagrams or stickers or highlighters
graphs  Create symbols or
 Explain key concepts illustrations to
with illustrations or represent important
pictures written concepts
 Color-code assignments
or use different font
styles to emphasize
terms
  Assign visual projects
like art, diagrams or
models

Aural /  Read passages from  Read your notes,

Auditory textbooks out loud or assignments or tests
have students read out loud
them  Record yourself reading
 Repeat key concepts as class notes and listen to
often as possible them
 Explain content with  Organize study groups
videos, podcasts or and discuss course
songs material with
 Review tests and classmates
assignments with the  Give mock
entire class before they presentations to family,
begin friends or classmates
 Facilitate group explaining school
discussions or debates subjects
 Let students take tests in  Make songs about key
other spaces, where concepts to remember
they can read questions them
out loud
 Assign speeches,
presentations or musical
projects

Read /  Use textbooks with  Read notes, slides and

Write plenty of written textbook sections
explanations and lists  Make cue cards and
 Provide written read them to yourself
statements to explain  Rewrite notes into
examples, charts and point-form lists
diagrams  Write your own
 Encourage students to explanations of key
write notes during concepts
lessons
  Include detailed  Write down important
explanations on notes and prompts
worksheets and tests before presentations or
 Sort key concepts into activities
categories and lists
 Include multiple choice,
short answer and essay
questions on tests

Kinesthetic  Use gestures, samples  Come up with real-life

/ Tactile or models to explain key examples to help you
concepts remember course
 Use real-life examples material  
and scenarios  Do your own
 Plan field trips for experiments or projects
supplemental learning to practice concepts
 Organize experiments so from class
students can work with  Use real pictures and
the things they learn examples in
about assignments and
 Let students move presentations
around or take breaks
when working
 Assign hands-on
projects like multimedia
presentations,
performances or case
studies

Multimodal learning strategies

Since the multimodal learning style involves a combination of learning
modalities, multimodal learning strategies require strategies from each style.
Multimodal learning incorporates multimedia and uses different strategies at once.
An ideal multimodal learning environment would incorporate as many of the above
strategies as possible.
Let’s look at an example of using multimodal strategies in the classroom.
To help students understand textbook material, a teacher might assign the reading
and then give a lecture using a multimedia presentation, including videos and
images. Then, they may plan an in-class activity to give real-life perspective and let
students engage with the content in more concrete ways.
In this scenario, teachers are simultaneously exposing students to strategies from
each learning style! Doing this gives students a well-rounded representation of
course material for all learning needs.

5 Guidelines for a multimodal learning environment

Multimodal learning environments support the need for differentiated instruction,
considering all learning needs and helping every student succeed.
Follow these five classroom guidelines to create a multimodal learning environment
at your school.

1. Use multimodal texts

Multimodal texts are forms of communication that use a variety of modes. They’re
seen in multimedia — a form of content delivery that strategically involves words,
visuals, sounds and other components to enrich learners.
For example, a video shown in class should involve captions, images, narration,
music and examples to be multimodal.
Students today regularly interact with many different forms of text, so educators
should reflect this in their classroom lessons.
As another example, instead of leaning on more traditional, lecture-style math
lessons, teachers can use math puzzles to help teach the same concept. The puzzle
would be a form of multimodal text that provides interaction and visual stimulation.
Multimodal texts in the classroom could include many other things that contribute
to a full learning experience, such as:

 Infographics
 Videos
 Slides
 Visual worksheets
 Interactive learning
 Online learning
SaveCreate Dream ExploreHow to Use Google Slides in the Classroom | 15+ great ways to use google slides
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Communication aids, such as PECS, are another useful form of multimodal text
that let students practice different methods of communication. Traditionally,
teachers use PECS to target those with communication difficulties, but they can be
beneficial to all students.

2. Reduce overload
Multimodal learning involves interaction with many different inputs at once. If the
teacher doesn’t properly organize the output, students can reach overload,
becoming overwhelmed, overstimulated and, ultimately, disengaged in class.

To combat this, multimodal learning plans should be organized and strategic.

Multimedia in learning must provide enough stimulation to foster a positive
learning environment, but not so much that it overwhelms students. Include every
mode, but make sure placement, timing and implementation is thoughtful and
considerate of students’ learning.
The best ways to reduce overload are:
  Consider timing and spacing of multimodal texts — Present words and
pictures that describe the same concept close to each other and at the same
time. This reduces confusion and ensures students can process both forms
of input simultaneously, interpreting meaning from the combined sources.
 Limit distractions — Take steps to limit unnecessary outside input so
students can focus on the important things. Reduce outside noise and
visuals, ensure comfortable seating and avoid strong lighting or smells.
 Take frequent breaks— Give students brain breaks every 20 minutes,
where they’ll get up and move around with a fun activity to recharge the
brain and regain focus.
 Change activities often — A multimodal activity should engage your
students, but doing the same activity for too long can get stale. Make sure to
switch between different learning formats to keep students interested.
 Find a good balance — Using multiple modes doesn’t mean including
everything you possibly can. Inputs that are too busy can become
overwhelming for students, so choose a few key components for each mode
to keep things simple.

3. Support digital learning opportunities

In today’s society, learning should reflect new digital modes that are used in the
real world. Incorporating technology into learning helps teachers and students
keep up with an ever-changing landscape of communication, and stimulates
multiple senses at once.
Digital platforms are constantly gaining popularity among youth — and very young
children are no exception. A 2018 study on children’s media devices in the United
States found nearly 40% of American children owned their own smartphones.
 Im
age source: Statista
New technologies mean new modes of communication for students to adapt to,
and educators should include these modes to prepare students for careers in an
increasingly digital landscape.
Another study on student engagement and multimodal learning showed student
engagement is the biggest motivator for adding educational technologies to the
classroom. Technological modes are familiar and engaging to children.
Students are excited about technology and want to use it, so digital learning
opportunities are necessary for a well-rounded multimodal learning environment.
Some of those ways can include game-based learning, online research, tests,
assignments and much more.

4. Offer multimodal assignments

When teaching is multimodal, assignments and assessments should be, too. The
best way to create a positive school culture that encourages two-way
communication is to encourage students to use multiple modes in their
assignments.
Good multimodal learning is interactive and puts student involvement first — i.e.,
learning relies on how students react to the material they learn.
To do this, create dynamic assignments that give students freedom to express their
understanding of concepts in many creative ways.
Multimodal assignments — e.g., guided activities, group projects, reflection
exercises, presentations and tests — get students using multiple modes of
communication so they can positively exercise their individual learning styles.

5. Provide multimodal feedback

If teaching and  assignments are multimodal, feedback should be too.
To give effective multimodal feedback, you should consider two things:

1. What is being assessed?

2. How are you giving feedback?

When students are free to express their ideas in dynamic ways, criteria for grading
should reflect these methods of delivery. The understanding, expression, and use
of multimodality should all be part of the grading process. Clear guidelines of
expectations on the use of multimedia should be outlined to students in their
assignment rubrics.
The feedback process should also reflect multimodality and learning differences.
For example, giving a visual learner traditional number grades and written
statements won’t have the same impact as visual feedback would.
Although teachers traditionally offer feedback in printed forms, they should also
use multimodal formats to reach every student and encourage two-way dialogue.

5 Examples of multimodal learning activities

Now that you know the basics, get inspired by these five examples of multimodal
learning in the classroom.

1. Educational games
Almost all games naturally use many modes at once — words, images, colors,
shapes, speech, movement and more. Plus, kids can’t get enough of them. Students
have so much fun playing games that they often don’t realize they’re learning at the
same time!
Teachers can bring many different games to their classrooms to help students learn
and practice relevant skills. For example, after a traditional multiplication lesson,
classes can play multiplication games for a fun, multimodal experience that
solidifies learning.
Digital game platforms like Prodigy are another great option for classrooms,
adding an extra mode to the learning experience: technology.
Prodigy is a no-cost, adaptive math platform that helps students from 1st to 8th
grade practice more than 1,500 curriculum-aligned math skills in an engaging,
multimodal format.
Used by more than 1.5 million teachers and 50 million students around the world,
this interactive game provides written questions, visual representations, adaptive
feedback, supportive technology and collaboration– incorporating many different
communication modes into one highly engaging math activity.
Since the platform uses multimedia, its educational benefits can reach kids with
varied learning styles and support their individual development in math.
Prodigy makes it easy to reinforce in-class lessons and target specific student needs
using differentiated instruction. Plus, the Reports tool helps teachers and admins
track student comprehension, progress and engagement. This means you can
quickly access important data to ensure students are supported and able to reach
their full potentials. 

Students are more confident because of the extra practice they receive with
Prodigy. My students typically score higher than others on district screeners and
math benchmarks because I am able to individualize and differentiate instruction
using the Prodigy reports.
Kimberly Martin
2nd Grade Teacher
Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools
Fill out the form below to see your building’s users!

2. Think-pair-share
This collaborative learning strategy improves student understanding of material,
cooperation with classmates and expression of ideas. It’s also a great method for
conducting formative assessments.
 Im
age source: Giulia Forsythe on Flickr
Think-pair-share follows three simple steps:

1. Think — students take time to think about the lesson material individually.
2. Pair — students pair up to discuss their ideas and findings with each other.
3. Share — each pair shares their thoughts with the class and answers
questions from classmates.

Pair students with similar learning styles or put different styles together for more
compelling conversations and learning opportunities.  

3. Case-based learning
Use real-life scenarios to introduce or supplement lessons and make relevant
connections to school curriculum.
Case-based learning means lessons revolve around actual case studies. Students
read, hear or see real examples that relate to the concepts they’re learning in class.
Teachers facilitate class discussions about these cases and ensure students are
making important connections. To take learning even further, teachers can also
assign questions or projects about the cases.
This method gives concrete evidence that the things learned in class are actually
useful and meaningful in the real world, motivating students to learn more.

4. Personalized journal entries

Journal entries are a tried-and-true reflection exercise, where students can put class
material into their own words and think about what they’ve learned.

Turn journal entries into a multimodal activity by making them personalized. Let

students complete entries in a way that helps them express their thoughts best.
This could include written entries, charts, illustrations, videos, podcasts or example
stories.

5. Multimedia research projects

Encourage multimodal research with projects that require various sources and
modes.
New forms of media are growing in popularity, giving students many avenues to
find information. Multimedia research projects require students to find information
from different media sources, both traditionally and digitally.
Assign research projects where students must reference at least three different
media sources. This can include books, digital libraries, news clips, podcasts and
online articles.
Then, have students create multimodal presentations of research findings, in
whatever format they choose.