Engaging students in social studies requires more than a single textbook, website, or teaching method. Multimodal learning offers a dynamic approach that combines various instructional materials and methods to deepen students' knowledge and understanding. But what is multimodal learning, and how does Inquiry Journeys help teachers implement it effectively?
Create a Multimodal Classroom with Inquiry Journeys
Integrated digital and print learning experiences and resources for K-5 social studies.
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What is Multimodal Learning?
Multimodal learning is an approach that combines various types of instructional materials—such as texts, videos, audio, and digital resources—with diverse teaching methods to create a rich, engaging learning environment.
It’s about presenting information in multiple formats and allowing students to interact with content in different ways, whether through reading, listening, watching, discussing, playing games, or participating in hands-on activities. This variety ensures that students are not only exposed to content but also have multiple ways to process and understand it, leading to a more comprehensive and effective learning experience.
• Engagement: Varied methods, activities, and content keep students actively engaged, curious, and motivated to explore new ideas.
• Accessibility: Different materials, media, and methods cater to various learning styles, making content more accessible to all students.
• Deeper Knowledge Building: Engaging with diverse materials in multiple ways helps students build deeper connections and retain their learning.
• Critical Thinking: Using different modalities encourages students to approach problems from various angles, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Inquiry Journeys: Integrating Digital and Print Resources
Multimodal learning in Inquiry Journeys is about creating layered, engaging experiences for students.
Rather than simply using different types of media, Inquiry Journeys thoughtfully integrates a variety of print and digital resources.
These include (but aren't limited to) texts, videos, audio, maps, and interactive web experiences—with instructional strategies like interactive activities, group discussions, explicit instruction, and hands-on projects.
These materials and strategies are intentionally designed and sequenced to support the development of students' understanding. The goal of multimodal instruction is to ensure that the right resources and methods are employed at the right time to deepen learning and engagement.
Inquiry Journeys makes it easier for teachers to create engaging multimodal classrooms with a blend of print and digital materials that enhance student learning. These materials include:
•. Student consumables: Handouts, graphic organizers, and other materials for student writing.
• Printed assessment guides: Essential tools that help teachers assess student work and provide a clear view of where students are headed in the unit.
• Digital subscription: Access to the online teacher account, allowing teachers to share primary and secondary sources, use lesson plans with ready-to-go slide decks, customize resources, and more.
Download a print sample to learn more about Inquiry Journeys.
Implementing multimodal social studies with Inquiry Journeys transforms classrooms into engaging, dynamic spaces where every student can thrive.