When lecturing, teachers make use of both verbal and nonverbal communication. What is called teaching, therefore, involves not only the words and sentences a teacher utters and writes on the board during a lesson, but also all the hands/arms gestures, body movements, and facial expressions a teacher "performs" in the classroom. All of these…

The authors discuss modality strengths, perceptual channels which are most effective to an individual's learning, particularly as they relate to the education of gifted children. (SB)

The characteristics of contemporary societies are increasingly theorized as global, fluid, and networked. These conditions underpin the emerging knowledge economy as it is shaped by the societal and technological forces of late capitalism. These shifts and developments have significantly affected the communicational landscape of the 21st century.…

Surveys research on the differences between haptic and visual learners and describes a haptic testing program to help industrial arts teachers work with haptic students. (SK)

This critical literature examines the methodology of teaching and learning developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Maria Montessori always believed that children are a unique being and they always surprise us with their unseen capabilities. In order to fully develop those unseen capabilities, we must give them freedom of choice to explore their…

Among conclusions presented by a review of research on modality preference as a method for differentiating beginning reading instruction are that differentiating instruction according to modality preference apparently did not facilitate learning to read. (Author)

Describes five approaches to learning styles that may be of interest to college teachers. Presents a short background to learning styles including some of the research that has been generated over the last couple of decades. Discusses the modalities approach, which refers to the three basic ways people learn: visually, auditorily, and haptically.…

Research shows that from the beginning students should be taught through their perceptual strengths; students can identify their preferences accurately; and younger children learn better through visual experiences than auditory experiences, and best through tactile-kinesthetic experiences. (Author)

The authors refute attempts to reject modality based instruction for reading disabled students. They suggest that although no incontestible evidence justifies modality based instruction, further research on the issue should be conducted. J. Kampworth responds by emphasizing the lack of conclusive data. (CL)

The literature on learning styles is full of unresolved issues, both theoretical and practical. Early research into learning styles includes that of H. A. Witkin, who developed the Embedded Figures Test in the late 1960s. This test determines the "field dependence" or "field independence" of individuals, marking their global…

Although research results generally fail to confirm a consistent relationship between reading performance and visual perception, auditory perception, or modality preference, clinical observations and teachers' opinions suggest the presence of such a relationship. The article reviews the research and suggests factors, including asking the wrong…

Research on hemispheric and modality preference and implications for children with specific learning disabilities is reviewed. A chart lists information concerning performance of left and right hemisphere for modes of information processing. General and specific skill enhancement strategies for reading and general development are suggested. (CL)

Procedures for identifying learning styles are described and possible cultural influences on learning styles are noted. Practical guidelines for instructional placement are suggested. (Author/DB)

Summarizes research findings on relationships among modality strengths, learning, and personal characteristics. (Author/MLF)

The purpose of this conceptual analysis is to investigate how contemporary video and computer games might inform instructional design by looking at how narrative devices and techniques support problem solving within complex, multimodal environments. Specifically, this analysis presents a brief overview of game genres and the role of narrative in…