Why Is Multimodal Learning Important in English Language Classrooms

3rd December 2024

Since every child learns differently, it can occasionally seem almost difficult to discover a curriculum or lesson plan that is appropriate for a whole school. Multimodal learning can help with it. Every day, hundreds of children attend most schools, and each one of them has a unique learning style. While some students may never mind trading in a picture for a spoken explanation, others would want as many images as possible. For concepts to stick, some kids require knowledge in numerous ways. For this reason, the optimal method of education is multimodal learning.

What Is Multimodality In Language?

The term ‘multimodality’ describes how a text may convey meaning by utilizing many communication modalities. How each mode adds to the overall meaning of a multimodal text is described by the idea of multimodality. The majority of texts that our pupils come across in modern communication are multimodal texts, which blend alphabetic text, visuals, and other forms. The way meaning is created across several forms has grown in significance as modern communication becomes more digital and multimodal.
 

Source: ellevationeducation.com

The capacity to read, understand, and respond to multimodal texts as well as produce multimodal writings is known as multimodal literacy. In response to the dynamic nature of today's communication landscape, several educational institutions worldwide have modified their literacy curricula to incorporate multimodal literacy.

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The VARK Model Of Learning

A variety of models exist to elucidate learning types. Neil Fleming, a teacher from New Zealand, developed the VARK model, which is among the most well-liked.
 

Source: academyofmine.com

The VARK model's subsections are as follows:
 

• Visual

These individuals learn best by viewing and reacting to visual signals such as charts, graphs, and photographs. The sights outdoors may divert their attention.
 

• Aural

These individuals respond well to aural signals, such as spoken instructions, conversations, or music, and learn best by listening. Noise from the outside might be distracting them.
 

• Read/Write

While read/write is sometimes included in the visual category, the VARK model places it in a different category. These individuals absorb information best by reading, writing, and reacting to written signals found in books, lecture notes, and cue cards.
 

• Kinesthetic

Kinesthetic learners respond well to tactile signals such as movement, activities, and real-world examples. The warmth of the room or the uncomfortable chairs might be distracting.

Why Is Multimodal Learning Important?

Students' learning methods vary greatly when they arrive at school. Therefore as educators who have pursued : Teacher training courses in Indonesia, the optimal learning environment you give to students ought to accommodate all of these types and reflect all of the modes. By ensuring that everyone receives precisely what they need and conveying concepts in the most efficient ways, multimodality promotes a universal learning design.

For example, possessing:
 

• Reading and hearing are supported by both text and audio.
• Animation and visuals can aid with attentional focus.
• Examples may help people comprehend

Additionally, children can gain from and become better at multimodal learning. Students who received both text and visual inputs learned more effectively than those who just got text inputs, according to research from Cisco. Multimodal learning is more flexible than the more rigid unimodal learning that comes to mind when you think of typical classroom settings.

Multimodal interactions predominate. One-way communication is uncommon, and encouraging kids to communicate that way too should also be uncommon. One-way teaching, such as reading from a textbook, doesn't engage students' minds or get them ready for real-world scenarios.
 

Multimodal Learning Strategies

Now let's explore these many approaches that you might employ to assist each type of learner:

1. Strategies For Visual Learners

Here are a few strategies educators can use to teach visual learners in the classroom:
 

• Use images or illustrations to clarify important ideas.
• Assign visual tasks such as models, diagrams, or artwork.
• Use textbooks that include a lot of illustrations and charts.
• Use visual aids in your lessons, such as films or slideshows.
• Allow pupils to arrange their ideas using graphs, flowcharts, or diagrams.
• To highlight phrases, color-code assignments or utilize distinct font styles.

2. Strategies For Auditory Learners

As instructors, you can use these techniques to teach auditory learners:
 

• Encourage debates and conversations in groups.
• Recite important ideas as frequently as you can
• Use audiobooks in addition to textbooks.
• Use music, podcasts, or movies to explain content
• Give out talks, exhibits, or musical compositions.
• Read aloud from textbook chapters or assign pupils to read them.
• Examine assignments and examinations with the class as a whole before assigning them.
• Allow students to take tests in locations where they may read questions aloud.

3. Strategies For Read/Write Learners

Here are a few strategies to teach reading/writing learners:
 

• Classify and compile important ideas.
• Make use of textbooks that provide a ton of textual explanations.
• It is recommended that students take notes during classes and provide thorough explanations on worksheets, quizzes, and examinations.
• Test questions should include multiple choice, short response, and essay formats.
• Give explanations in writing for the examples, charts, and diagrams.

4. Strategies For Kinaesthetic Learners

Take a look at how you can tackle kinaesthetic learners in your classroom:
 

• Make use of actual situations and examples.
• Arrange field excursions to provide further education.
• Allow kids to take pauses or walk about while they're working.
• Explain important ideas with gestures, examples, or models.
• Plan experiments that allow students to apply what they have learned.
• Give them practical assignments like case studies, multimedia presentations, or performances.

Bottom Line

Every student has the chance to study and develop in their way when learning environments are designed with multimodal learning in mind. Multimodal inputs abound in daily life, and the most effective teaching strategies should take this diversity into account. As educators who have completed Teacher training courses in Indonesia, remember that each learner has a unique learning style. Therefore, a multimodal strategy needs to offer the most appropriate and successful communication channels as well as expression choices.

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