What Is Multimodal Learning? Engaging Every Learner

An instructional method to engage all learner types

As a student, my most difficult subject was always math. The seemingly concrete nature of numbers dissolved into confused abstraction the moment I tried to turn over a problem in my head, like trying to piece together a dream after waking up. But, if I was given a visual and written example, I could identify predictable patterns and more easily apply what I’d learned.

I’m no genius, but even then, I knew that being told how to do something was not nearly as effective as being told and shown how to do something. Even better than that? Being able to then apply that knowledge myself through hands-on practice.

Luckily, all of my teachers used a variety of instructional methods to engage us—not just auditory lectures. This approach is often called multimodal learning or multimodal instruction: presenting ideas in more than one way to give learners options to practice and demonstrate understanding.

In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of multimodal learning, clarify how it differs from “learning styles,” explain the VARK framework as a preference model, and discuss classroom strategies to make learning more engaging and effective.

Understanding multimodal learning

To understand why multimodal learning is an effective instructional method, it helps to think about how we intake information as we learn over time. We might hear information first, then see it written, before seeing a demonstration and applying the knowledge in the real world.

We may have preferences for how we receive information, but it’s important to note that preference isn’t the same as effectiveness. You may like hands-on learning best, but what’s most important is how you use the information. Still, teaching with multiple formats can reduce barriers, help clarify abstract ideas, and create more pathways to understanding—especially when learners have multiple opportunities to explore the content.

This approach also takes pressure off the instructor. After introducing a topic and providing sufficient examples, teachers can turn learning over to the students as they engage in hands-on practice, discussion, role-play, or other social learning activities.

The different learning modalities

The four common modalities connect to the channels we use to take in information when we interact with new content. Below are some examples of learning methods and activities within each.

• Visual. Charts, infographics, diagrams, and any other visual content fall into this modality.
• Auditory. Lectures, discussions, and podcasts are examples of instruction that rely heavily on hearing.
• Reading/Writing. Reading articles and textbooks, taking notes, writing reflections, and completing written assessments fall into this modality.
• Kinesthetic. Any practical or hands-on approach falls within this modality, such as interactive role-play, labs, simulations, and building or manipulating objects.

The VARK framework explained

The VARK model, developed by New Zealand educator Neil Fleming, describes four learning preference categories—visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. The model’s basic idea is that people may have preferred ways to absorb and process new information.

In theory, this data could help teachers match instruction to their students’ preferences to improve engagement and outcomes. Though appealing, research does not support the idea that matching preferences and teaching reliably improves learning. Fleming himself even cautioned that VARK gets more attention than it warrants.

In practice, research-backed instructional techniques like spaced repetition and retrieval practice tend to matter more than tailoring instruction to preferred modes. In other words, instructional design and skills practice matter more than preference labels.

Still, the VARK model can serve as a practical reminder that learners benefit from variety—and that single-format learning, such as lecture-only, can unnecessarily limit many people’s engagement.

VARK categories in detail

Most learners don’t fit neatly into one category, and preferences often change depending on the task and content. With that in mind, here’s what each VARK category generally points to. Consider them as instructional options, rather than fixed learner “types.”

1. Visual (V)

Visual presentation can help learners make sense of information with structure, relationships, or patterns: Think charts, diagrams, graphs, pictures, and step-by-step demonstrations. Video—which often combines visual and auditory methods—can also be effective when visuals meaningfully support the lesson content.

Imagine, for example, that you’ve never seen or heard of a platypus. A text-only explanation of its anatomy—without a diagram or image—may feel confusing or abstract.

2. Auditory (A)

Audio-based instruction includes spoken explanation and discussion and may include lectures, presentations, and dialogue. For some topics, talking through an idea can help learners organize their thinking, hear another perspective, and clarify misunderstandings in real time.

Reducing unnecessary noise and interruptions can also help learners focus during discussion- or lecture-heavy activities.

3. Read/Write (R)

Text-based instruction—including articles, textbooks, written directions, and note-taking—can help learners process ideas at their own pace and revisit complex information. Writing can also be a powerful tool for reflection and synthesis, helping learners turn information into structured understanding.

4. Kinesthetic (K)

Hands-on activities can make learning more concrete through doing: experiments, simulations, role-playing scenarios, practice tasks, and games. This can be especially helpful when the goal is skill-building or applying concepts in context.

Long stretches of passive learning can make it harder for many learners to stay engaged, which is one reason practice-based instruction tends to be so effective.

Why multimodal learning matters in 2026

Multimodal learning suggests that a comprehensive approach to instruction—one that uses a combination of visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic channels—is often more engaging and more supportive than relying on a single mode.

Learners tend to report that they prefer variety, too. Since the VARK model’s inception in the late 1980s, over one million students have taken the assessment to help them identify their preferences. They note this breakdown of self-identified preferences:

• Visual preference: 1.9%
• Auditory preference: 5.7%
• Read/write preference: 3.3%
• Kinesthetic preference: 23.2%
• Multimodal preference: 66%

As these numbers reflect self-reported preferences (based on VARK’s scoring categories), we can consider the results as interesting, but not proof that instruction must be matched to a preference to be effective. But they do reinforce a practical point: many learners expect and appreciate more than one format—and good instruction typically provides multiple ways to understand and apply new information.

The digital transformation

The digital transformation has brought virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), gamification, and mobile learning to the classroom and the workplace. This new technology infusion can increase engagement and make it easier to combine explanations, demonstrations, and practice.

AI has enhanced adaptive learning platforms, which can shift content based on learner performance, pacing needs, and demonstrated understanding. As AI becomes more responsive, it may also make it easier to offer multiple representations (video, text, examples, practice) and multiple ways to show mastery—without assuming that a learner belongs to a single “style.”

Multimodality in e-learning platforms

E-learning platforms allow instructional designers to use multimodal instruction. Many basic e-learning modules begin with a short video (visual + auditory), then follow up with written materials (read/write). Others use scenario-based modules that combine text, audio, and video.

More advanced modules use simulations where learners make choices, manipulate virtual objects, and receive instant feedback. This can replicate hands-on practice while keeping learners in a safe, virtual environment.

Most e-learning experiences end with an interactive assessment—drag-and-drop tasks, short written reflections, recorded presentations, or oral submissions—giving learners multiple ways to demonstrate their new skills.

Practical strategies for implementing multimodal learning

Blending instruction with visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic modalities is simple. In fact, most educators are probably already doing it. Even the simplest PowerPoint presentation combines visual and spoken explanation.

Providing even more variety—with careful intention—should be a goal, whether you’re teaching students in a classroom or building a soft skills e-learning course for your employees.

Let’s look at some basic classroom and e-learning strategies that incorporate multiple modalities.

Strategies across by learning preferences

• Techniques that incorporate auditory learning include recorded lectures, in-person or online discussion forums, or short microlearning podcasts.
• Tools that support visual learning include whiteboard presentations, step-by-step instructional videos, and interactive infographics.
• Approaches that emphasize kinesthetic learning include virtual labs and simulations, historical role-play, station-based learning, and practice projects.
• Methods that support reading/writing include worksheets, research tasks, structured note-taking, and essay writing.

Examples of multimodal learning in action

Here are some more in-depth examples of multimodal learning in action.

Case-based learning

Both students and employees appreciate knowing that what they’re learning will be applicable to their real lives. Case-based learning does just that by using real-life examples to introduce a concept. Think of how law students study and discuss actual cases, or how a sales training module might begin with statistics related to the importance of active listening.

Starting a course or lesson with a real-life example shows that the effort to learn is worth the outcome, motivating learners to engage with the content.

Multimedia research projects

Multimedia research projects ask students to use a variety of sources such as books, podcasts, news articles, videos, and more. This multimodal approach not only exposes students to a wider range of sources and perspectives, but also builds the skill of learning across formats—something learners will need outside the classroom.

Educational games and gamification

The oldest educational game I can remember playing on the family computer is Reader Rabbit’s Interactive Reading Journey. Like the gamified learning modules of today’s digital classroom and workplace, it combined learning with gaming mechanics like time constraints, narrative storytelling, points, and leaderboards.

Immersing students in an interactive—and competitive—virtual environment drives engagement, and has been particularly successful in engaging frontline manufacturing workers.

Think-Pair-Share

Think-Pair-Share is one of the simplest and most effective instructional strategies that all educators learn and use. Here’s what it’s like in action:

• Think. After briefly introducing a concept, instructors ask learners to think about it on their own, writing down general thoughts or recording answers to a few questions on a worksheet.
• Pair. When learners have had time to think about the concept or question on their own, they turn to someone nearby to discuss their thoughts.
• Share. Once learners have discussed their thoughts with one other person, the instructor can either put them into small groups to continue sharing their thoughts or open it up to a larger group discussion.

Along the way, learners read and write, then trade off speaking and listening. By the end of the activity, each learner is exposed to several perspectives, either confirming, shifting, or changing their original opinion.

Multimodal learning: Established in the past, built for the future

A multimodal approach uses a variety of formats and activities to make courses more engaging, support comprehension, and strengthen retention—especially when learners have repeated chances to practice and apply what they’re learning. Its flexibility makes it useful in any learning environment: in-person, blended, or fully online.

Educators should aim to blend multiple modalities—visual, audio, text-based, and hands-on practice—for maximum learning impact, without assuming that learners fit into fixed “learning style” categories.

Check out how the University of Kentucky College of Nursing’s e-learning empowers instructors to build highly engaging, multimodal learning modules that engage students with real-world situations. Ready to create your own multimodal learning? Start your free trial of the Articulate 360 platform today.

Updated: 3/24/26