Multisensory Teaching Accommodates the 12 Ways of Learning

To be a true multisensory teacher, it is important to be aware of all 12 Ways of Learning. It merges the theories of cognitive styles, multiple intelligences, information processing, and multisensory learning to reveal 12 diverse and distinctive ways of processing and encoding information.

Multisensory teaching framework showing the 12 ways of learning, including visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, verbal, and experiential processing by Dr. Erica Warren.

Accommodating Individual Needs

Each of these learning modalities lies on a continuum, and individuals have their own profiles that are based on cognitive strengths, preferences, as well as, exposure to each methodology.

Tailor Your Teaching Approach

By learning about the Eclectic Teaching Approach, teachers, educational therapists, parents, and even employers can be more mindful of their expectations as well as their lesson or training approach. Then, by evaluating preferences, instruction, and assignments can be tailored for groups or individuals, resulting in optimal learning.

Executive functioning instruction for elementary learners featuring E-FUN games for inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory by Good Sensory Learning.

What are the 12 Ways of Learning?

Visual Learners:

Process information through observation with the visual field and using one's mind's eye.

Auditory Learners:

Process information by listening and using one's inner voice.

Tactile Learners:

Process information with the sense of touch.

Kinesthetic Learners:

Process information by incorporating bodily movement into the learning process.

Student Processing Inventory SPI-1 and SPI-2 assessments for grades 3–5 and 6–college, helping teachers and coaches understand student learning and processing styles.

Sequential Learners:

Process information by organizing it into a series or sequence.

Simultaneous Learners:

Process information by categorizing the content into main ideas and details

Reflective/Logical Learners:

Process information by thinking about the content and reasoning with it.

Verbal Learners:

Process information by thinking aloud and participating in discussions.

Interactive Learners:

Process information with the company of others.

Indirect Experience Learners:

Process information through demonstrations or vicarious learning.

Direct Experience Learners:

Process information by encountering, practicing, and interacting with what they are learning.

Rhythmic Melodic Learners:

Process information to a rhythm, beat, or melody. Many, but not all, find that music or white noise helps with the learning process.

Free Prezi on the 12 Ways of Learning

If you would like to learn more about the 12 Ways of Learning, Click here. or on the image below.

Infographic showing the 12 Ways of Learning by Dr. Erica Warren, illustrating visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, verbal, sequential, simultaneous, and experiential ways of processing.

Learn How to Be a Multisensory Teacher

Are you interested in an assessment that can tell you and your students the best ways of processing? Come learn about our Student Processing Inventory!

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.