Stimulate more of the senses from "summary" of Brain Rules (Updated and Expanded) by John Medina
To understand why it's good to stimulate more of the senses, let's first look at how our brains function. The brain is a complex organ that processes an astonishing amount of information every second. It's constantly receiving input from our five senses - sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Each sense sends signals to different parts of the brain, where they are processed and integrated. When we engage multiple senses at once, we create more connections in the brain, which leads to better retention and understanding of information.
By stimulating more of the senses, we activate more areas of the brain, making learning more effective and efficient. For example, when we read a book, we are primarily using our visual and auditory senses. But if we were to read that same book while listening to music or holding a textured object, we would be engaging more of our senses, leading to a richer and more memorable experience. This is why it's important to incorporate multi-sensory activities into learning and teaching.
Research has shown that multi-sensory experiences can improve memory, attention, and learning outcomes. When we involve more senses in the learning process, we are more likely to remember and understand the information presented. This is because different sensory inputs create stronger neural connections, which help us retain information for longer periods of time. Additionally, multi-sensory activities can increase engagement and motivation, making learning more enjoyable and effective.
Incorporating multi-sensory experiences into education can benefit learners of all ages. Whether we are teaching children how to read or training adults in a new skill, engaging multiple senses can enhance the learning process. By creating a stimulating environment that appeals to a variety of senses, we can help individuals learn more effectively and retain information better. So, let's remember the importance of stimulating more of the senses in our daily activities and educational practices.
