Sensory Contributions to Learning

Planning and delivery of instruction in a diverse learning environment require some
understanding of how sensory contributes to learning. It enables an educator to adopt the use of
multi-sensory structured language programs help instruct children with cognitive developmental
delays with much ease. They entail the use of all learning pathways in the brain, namely
kinesthetic-tactile, visual and auditory, all at once to enhance learning and memory retention. It
provides a stimulating and relaxing learning experiences for learners. According to Willis &
Mitchell (2014), using multi-sensory techniques helps in coming up with coaching resources that
enhance the learning process. Educators are better placed to reach even the most challenged
students through the incorporation of multi-sensory learning and teaching techniques. Learners
with cognitive developmental delays learn better through a wide variety of stimulation.
Understanding sensory contributions to learning help me select the appropriate
technology tools that will enhance learning for children with cognitive developmental delays.
There are certain technological tools that enable the use of many sensory channels including the
tactile, Kinect, and auditory ones. I am able to select tools such as Oculus Rift and Kinect, which
are part of multisensory technology, and help the teacher to map accurately and in real-time, the
motor behavior of learners and vary instructional methods with much flexibility. Since each
learner with cognitive developmental delays is affected differently, I am able to select tools that
will be appropriate for every learner and integrate them into the classroom for efficient
instruction. As a teacher, I am better placed to define the best modality and instructional tools
that will help me facilitate the learning process.

References

Willis, J., & Mitchell, G. (2014). The neuroscience of learning: Principles and applications for
educators[Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/