Utilizing Mayer's Theories on Multimedia Principles
Trying new teaching approaches can be a daunting task. Many of us are set in our ways, so to speak, and believe what we are doing works, or at least it works for us. Understanding and using Mayer's Principles of Multimedia Learning can provide a fresh start to teaching and learning in the classroom when integrating technology. Many of the principles he introduced come down to keeping it simple effective. In his 2001 publication, Mayer stated that multimedia instruction refers to learning environments that contain both words and pictures with the intention to promote learning (Meyer, 2011). His theory is grounded in cognitive science and how people learn best and retain information longer.
Multimedia Learning is a form of instruction using digital tools and incorporates two modalities at the same time (DeBell, 2022). Modalities can be defined as visual elements such as images, animations, text, and audio/visuals, and the space between each of these. These modalities work together to create a more engaging and impactful learning experience for students, based on cognitive principles.
Richard Mayer published his theory of learning in 2001 while at the University of California. The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning is based on the multimedia principle, that people learn more deeply from words and pictures, rather than just words alone (Anonymous, 2020). The theory has three different assumptions that we assume to be true: Dual Channel, Limited Capacity, and Active Processing Assumptions.
The Dual Channel assumption argues that people have two separate channels for processing information. Limited Capacity states that individuals have a limited capacity to process information at any given time, and finally the Active processing assumption believes that people should be actively engaged in their learning, rather than passive receivers of information (Anonymous 2, 2023). Mayer's argued that these assumptions limit a humans capacity to learn, and we must work within these limitations to improve student learning.
Multimedia Learning and Andragogy
Adult learners are those considered to be 25 years or older and tend to learn differently from their younger counterparts. Adult learners have more complex learning backgrounds, life experiences, and responsibilities in their everyday lives. They also lean more towards part time status as they hold full time jobs and/or children to look after during the evenings (Aziz et al., 2016). Engaging with adult learners is approached differently then younger students, especially children (pedagogy).
Using multimedia learning elements that adult learners can best recognize and relate to will be vastly different than what younger students will understand. For example, showing an image of paycheck stub when discussing economics will be fully grasped by an adult learner, but not be impactful to 5th grader learning about the same things as they would not have the same experiences in life. Using elements - graphics, visuals, videos, audio recordings, in andragogy will need to be carefully parsed through to make the biggest impact on their learning (Aziz et al., 2016). My confidence continues to grow as I learn more about the various approaches to enhance teaching and learning. Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning has provided me another valuable resource when developing new presentations.
Future Reference:
Works Referenced:
Anonymous 2. (2023, June 2). Mayer’s 12 Principles of Multimedia Learning. Digital Learning Institute. https://www.digitallearninginstitute.com/blog/mayers-principles-multimedia-learning/
Anonymous. (2020, March 5). Cognitive theory of multimedia learning (Mayer). Learning Theories. https://learning-theories.com/cognitive-theory-of-multimedia-learning-mayer.html
Aziz, A. A., Suleiman, N. S., & Zahari, A. S. M. (2016, August 4). A study on the effectiveness of multimedia instructional materials for ... Textroad Publications. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ahmad-Mohd-Zahari/publication/322789984_A_Study_on_the_Effectiveness_of_Multimedia_Instructional_Materials_for_Adult_Learners/links/5a701502a6fdcc33daa7f681/A-Study-on-the-Effectiveness-of-Multimedia-Instructional-Materials-for-Adult-Learners.pdf?origin=publication_detail
DeBell, A. (2022, February 8). How to use Mayer’s 12 principles of multimedia learning [examples included]. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-use-mayers-12-principles-multimedia-learning-examples-debell/
Meyer, B. J. F. (2011, July 16). Applying the science of learning to multimedia instruction. Psychology of Learning and Motivation. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B978012387691100003X?via%3Dihub
Comments