The sensory stimulation theory is an idea by the scientific community that states that a person completes an action to receive sensory input. The idea of using the theory for learning is common in schools, where some students have sensory deficits and need different avenues for learning. Use of all five senses is natural and should be nurtured under the definition of this theory.
The Five Senses
There are five basic senses for every human: taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing. What many people may not realise is that every sense can be used for learning. In a traditional classroom, it is customary to use only the visual and auditory senses. The sensory stimulation theory argues that teaching methods need to encompass more learning sensory styles.
- There are five basic senses for every human: taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing.
- The sensory stimulation theory argues that teaching methods need to encompass more learning sensory styles.
Learning Theories
The sensory stimulation theory posits that learning expands when a teacher incorporates more than just the visual and auditory senses. Bringing tactile, olfactory, or taste lessons into the classroom expands the range of learners the teacher will reach.
Different Lesson Materials
Lesson materials that help students learn through all five senses vary by age and lesson. A teacher needs to be creative and imaginative to find materials covering all the senses. For example, segmented chocolate bars are the good material to teach fractions with all five senses if the children are allowed to eat the chocolate bar after the lesson.
Sensory Learning in the Classroom
Sensory learning is beneficial to students who are not primarily auditory or visual learners; some are more tactile in their learning style. The sensory stimulation theory promotes using as many of the five senses to help a wider range of students understand lessons and concepts.