Have you ever wondered why some teaching methods seem to work better than others? Recent research highlights the power of “multimodal enrichment”—a teaching approach that engages multiple senses or movements, such as hearing and seeing a new word simultaneously. Far from being just a trendy technique, this method is rooted in the brain’s natural ability to process information from different sources at once, leading to enhanced memory and learning, and is a cornerstone of educational methods like Montessori, which emphasize hands-on, sensory-rich learning experiences.
Cognitive neuroscientists Brian Mathias from the University of Aberdeen and Katharina von Kriegstein from TUD Dresden University of Technology have synthesized findings from neuroscience, psychology, computationalmodeling and education to explore the impact of this approach and why it works. Their interdisciplinary review, published in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences, highlights how integrating multiple sensory and motor experiences during learning, such as pairing spoken words with images or encouraging students to use hand movements while learning new concepts, can lead to significant educational benefits.
The science behind these learning benefits lies in how our brains work. When students learn through multiple senses, their brains create stronger, more integrated memories. This is because different brain areas—responsible for vision, hearing, and movement—start working together, leading to what Drs Mathias and von Kriegstein call crossmodalneural responses. These crossmodal brain responses aren’t just a side effect; current evidence suggests that they actively contribute to the improved learning outcomes observed in students.
What’s even more exciting is that studies have shown these benefits aren’t just theoretical. When applied in classrooms, multimodal enrichment has led to significant improvements in reading, math, and language learning. This research not only helps us understand why some educational methods are more effective but also paves the way for creating richer, more inclusive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of students. By bridging the gap between cognitive science and classroom practice, these insights are helping to shape the future of education.
Dr Brian Mathias, School of Psychology
