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Manish is the head of recruitment at a data journalism organization who’s struggling to wrap his head around a persistent problem concerning new recruits. As part of the organization’s policy, each new employee is to undertake a rigorous three-week program that updates them on the most resourceful and ethical ways of data research and management. This program consists entirely of essays, documents and case studies (in text) that make for an exhaustive reading list.
Manish’s problem is that no matter the aptitude or talent of the employees, almost every single new recruit starts losing interest in the program by the third week. To look for solutions, Manish consults with his friend Aarthi, who’s the HR head for an IT organization.
Aarthi tells Manish to change the format of the course by reducing the amount of text and including videos, audio lectures and live demonstrations. Manish follows Aarthi’s advice and the next batch of recruits is far more interested in the program, for Manish has successfully tailored it using the concepts of multimodal learning.
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What Is Multimodal Learning?
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The Importance Of Multimodal Learning
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Types Of Multimodal Learning
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Examples Of Multimodal Learning
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Make The Most Of Multimodal Learning
What Is Multimodal Learning?
The meaning of multimodal learning can be summed up with a simple idea: learning happens best when all the senses are engaged. Our senses—visual, auditory and kinesthetic—lead to greater understanding, improve memorization and make learning more fun. In its approach as well as its objectives, multimodal learning is an engaging and experiential way of learning that seeks to advance teaching quality and optimize it according to the cohort’s learning needs.
Research shows that learners exposed to multimodal learning are able to acquire knowledge deeper and faster, besides managing to retain it better.
The Importance Of Multimodal Learning
Before delving into the multimodal learning theory and seeing examples of multimodal learning strategies, it’s necessary to understand how multimodal learning has become so important today:
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Multimodal learning makes learners curious and encourages them to be creative
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The multimodal learning style is extremely adaptable and can be customized to suit the demands of specific learners
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Multimodal learning provides greater scope for interaction, both individual and collective
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The numerous multimodal learning strategies help keep any learning program fresh and open to including new content
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Multimodal learning offers a more holistic learning experience as different modes stimulate different senses
These advantages of multimodal learning make it a cornerstone of today’s education process, incentivizing several leading organizations to adopt the multimodal approach.
Types Of Multimodal Learning
Multimodal learning theory provides four different types of learning—visual, auditory, reading and writing and kinesthetic. Together, they form what’s known as the VARK framework of learning, first developed by Neil Fleming, a teacher in New Zealand. Each component of VARK is explained as follows:
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Visual Learning
This type of learning is all about stimulating the eyes through the use of several vision-related techniques. All kinds of graphs, illustrations, infographics, illustrations, diagrams and flowcharts come under visual learning, making the material compelling and constructive. The color coding of information, be it through the use of multiple fonts, styles and stickers, are also included under visual learning.
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Auditory Learning
This type of learning is concerned with listening, by means of podcasts, webinars, audiobooks, etc. An instructor may address learners through pre-recorded audio files or face-to-face interactions. It also includes information communicated through debates and group discussions.
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Reading And Writing
Perhaps the most basic yet the most crucial component of multimodal learning theory is reading and writing, something that starts by the age of two to three years. All text-based learning, be it through books, eBooks, PDFs or documents, and all assessment methods that involve the act of writing, are classified under this type of learning.
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Kinesthetic Learning
Regardless of the multimodal learning style, there are two main ways in which kinesthetic learning works. The first is through activities that involve movement, such as visiting sites or locations, delivering a presentation or giving a demonstration. Often these are done by combining visual, auditory and kinesthetic skills.
Examples Of Multimodal Learning
In order to complete the concept of multimodal learning, it’s important to look at some examples of multimodal learning and how it’s incorporated into employee learning programs:
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The most common example is the use of blended learning, which includes using every learning type of the VARK framework to introduce employees to an organization’s work environment and its best practices
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Designing an organization’s learning management system (LMS) to include as many modes of learning as possible
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Developing feedback mechanisms that are multimodal instead of being one-dimensional such as a feedback form
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Making research projects multimodal so as to incentivize employees to make their research techniques as diverse as possible
Make The Most Of Multimodal Learning
Multimodal learning is an ambitious endeavor that requires an abundance of resources as well as curated expertise. Harappa’s Young Talent Bootcamp is stacked with both, allowing your employees to increase self-awareness, enhance productivity and develop a curiosity to learn new skills. Through tried and tested learning frameworks like the River of Life, the Ladder of Inference and the Learning Zone Model, your employees will not only embrace multimodal learning but also acquire must-have Thrive Skills such as active listening, critical thinking and time management. Enroll your organization for the Young Talent Bootcamp program today and present your employees with the opportunity to become masters of multimodal learning.
Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as Outcome-Based Education, Different Methods Of Learning, Process Of Personalized Learning and Blended Learning Model that will help organizations tap into their employee’s potential.
