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When implementing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) lessons with students, it is important to create lesson plans that utilize effective learning models to ensure student engagement, comprehension, and retention. In this article, you will learn about multimodal learning, a proven teaching technique, and the benefit of incorporating this learning model in the classroom when teaching STEM lessons.
Multimodal learning is a diversified teaching approach that uses visual, auditory, reading, writing, and kinesthetic methods to get students engaged in the lesson. In multimodal learning, educators utilize a variety of learning strategies in each lesson, which increases the chance students will understand what they are learning. In education, it is essential educators remember each student’s brain is unique. Multimodal learning has gained popularity for its inclusive teaching style that caters to left and right brained learners.
It can be daunting for educators to incorporate new learning methods into the classroom curriculum map. But, after getting over the initial barrier, there are a lot of benefits to implementing new learning strategies that increase student engagement in STEM learning.
Below are proven strategies for implementing multimodal learning in the classroom:
When designing multimodal STEM lesson plans, it is important to connect each learning style to a specific area of the curriculum. Each use of a different teaching method should be planned purposefully to ensure the best student learning outcome. For example, it may be best for students to start with textbook reading to provide foundational knowledge on the subject. Then, students can interact with the curriculum through hands-on activities connected to real-world scenarios. Then, once the lesson is complete, students can use their tablets to draw diagrams or charts of what they have learned if it is applicable and use their devices to take a post-assessment to gauge overall lesson success.
This is one high-level example of how to design a multimodal STEM lesson plan. For more detailed information on how to create a successful lesson plan, read the STEM Sports® blog How to Create a Sports Lesson Plan.
When creating a multimodal STEM curriculum, it can be beneficial to use online tools and resources to create the most effective, impactful lesson plan possible. Notre Dame Learning published an article on how to properly gauge effectiveness of multimodal lessons. Using their assessment approach, educators can ensure students are comprehending the lesson, connecting what they have learned to specific scenarios.
When implementing multimodal STEM lessons with students, there are common challengeseducators have to overcome. Below is a list of challenges educators may encounter when implementing this teaching method in the classroom and how to overcome these problems:
The STEM education landscape is constantly changing. Here is a list of some of the many and more specifically in multimodal STEM education:
Adopting multimodal learning methods in STEM education is a great way to engage all students, regardless of their preferred learning style. This article is meant to be a resource for educators and school administrators looking to implement new, effective STEM learning methods in their classrooms.
To learn more about current STEM education trends and best practices, click here to read more STEM Sports® blogs.
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