October 1, 2014
Sensory Environments for Recall and Problem Solving
Posted in: Teaching Tips
In studies conducted by cognitive psychologist Richard Mayer, results have shown that students in multisensory environments have more accurate recall, longer lasting recall, improved problem-solving and they even generate more creative solutions (Medina, 2008). Consider the following principles based on Mayer’s rules when thinking about your presentations in your own classes based on using a combination of senses such as hearing and vision:
- Multimedia principle: students learn better from words and pictures than from words alone;
- Temporal contiguity principle: students learn better when corresponding words and pictures are presented simultaneously rather than successively;
- Spatial contiguity principle: students learn better when corresponding words and pictures are presented near to each other rather than far from each on the page or screen;
- Coherence principle: students learn better when extraneous material is excluded rather than included;
- Modality principle: students learn better from animation and narration than from animation and on-screen text.
Medina, J. (2008). Brain rules: Twelve principles for surviving and thriving at work, home, and school. Seattle, WA: Pear Press.