Improving Museum Programs Through Multi-Modal Learning

What is “multi-modal learning”, you ask? In a nutshell, it is the process of tapping into many learning styles based on auditory, visual, and kinesthetic/manual skills. Typically one style is stronger for each of us, but by utilizing more than one method we are more likely to acquire, process, and retain information

Instinctively, we usually make use of multi-modal learning with young children in educational programs. We tell children how to perform a task; we demonstrate how to perform the task; and then we allow children to perform the task. However, as our program participants increase in age, we tend to use fewer modes to instruct. Adult programs typically incorporate the least number of modes of instruction, with programs restricted mainly to lectures or demonstrations, and rarely is hands-on learning incorporated. Yet senior adults are most likely to benefit from multi-modal learning, especially activities that incorporate visual and kinesthetic skills since many older adults experience hearing difficulties.

Incorporating all three modes into museum education programs for adults, as well as children, not only insures that each participant has the opportunity to learn according to his or her own style, but guarantees enjoyable and successful programs.