Sensory Environments for Recall and Problem Solving

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.