Multimodal pedagogy

[1][2] Multimodality refers to the use of visual, aural, linguistic, spatial, and gestural modes in differing pieces of media, each necessary to properly convey the information it presents.

Linda Flower and John Hayes studied problem finding and solving, and argued this was a creative cognitive activity that writing and art had in common.

[13] Kathleen Blake Yancey contends that literacy “is in the midst of tectonic change” and that technology has resulted in an increase in multimodal genres in writing.

[14] In one of the National Council of Teachers of English's position statements, they state that all texts are multimodal, and that composing as a whole has changed as a result of technology and its advances.

An example is an assignment that challenges students to "translate" a text based ethnography to a photo essay, which can cause a change to research ethics.

This approach allows students to engage deeply with their learning process, possibly increasing their investment in their work by identifying the modes that best suit their subject or personal preferences.

[19] Multimodal pedagogy aids in enhancing students' comprehension of topics and issues by allowing them to explore information from various perspectives through different modes.

[20] Technological advances have facilitated access to and creation of new learning materials for students, and multimodal pedagogy makes use of these innovations.

[4] Multimodal pedagogy can be implemented into required and supplementary learning materials in the form of podcasts, video essays, infographics, or graphic novels (to name a few).

Podcasts help the students learn the importance is lingual communication, which incorporates word choice, tone of delivery, and organization of phrases and ideas.

[22]Graphic novels exemplify the use of the visual communication mode, utilizing color, layout, style, size, and perspective to convey a story or message.

[23] Illustrations strengthen information by depicting its content or supplementing it, as seen in The Fragile Framework, an academic comic book published by The International Weekly Journal of Science 'NATURE'.

While the multimodal pedagogical approach has expanded what qualifies as writing and how teachers can go about its instruction, thorough knowledge and planning is required in order to be effectively implemented.

[9] Lack of resources has limited the ability of public school teachers to integrate new technologies that facilitate multimodal learning in their classrooms.

Often times, they are forced to resort to older technologies and poorly functioning equipment such as overhead projectors and art supplies.