Ever since the rise of COVID-19, there has been a drastic shift in the way education is delivered to students. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of online education, making e-learning more popular than ever. While e-learning provides many benefits, the classic ‘hands-on’ approach still holds significant importance, especially when it comes to knowledge retention.

Multisensory learning techniques, such as those that involve touch and movement, have been shown to enhance motor memory and promote neurological development.[1] In turn, helping students connect with content and learn more effectively, since they can relate new information to their physical experiences.

Through utilizing materials, students engage multiple senses and foster a deeper understanding of concepts. When physically manipulating objects, learners experience increased activation in sensorimotor brain regions. This enriches thinking with dynamic detail and significance and leads to improved performance, particularly in fields like math and science.[2]

The ‘hands-on’ style of learning activates sensorimotor regions in both hemispheres of the brain, suggesting that utilizing both the ‘right brain’ and ‘left brain’ enhances learning outcomes and improves information retention.[3] Given that the left hemisphere is responsible for speech and language while the right hemisphere handles motor and spatial information,[4] activating sensorimotor regions in both hemispheres suggests that hands-on learning methods may also play a role in enhancing language acquisition.[5]

Demonstrably, schools and teachers worldwide are increasingly integrating physical materials into their language curricula, as this active engagement helps students retain words and their meanings more effectively. For instance, the utilization of flashcards and interactive books can significantly improve language acquisition by providing tactile feedback and sensory experiences that reinforce learning.[6]

At IPAK, we have observed this trend over our three decades of partnering with leading publishers. Our customers continue to solicit our services for multi-modal options, including manufacturing flashcards, puzzles, readers, manipulatives, and in-classroom learning kits. Despite the proliferation of e-learning, the enduring value of hands-on learning cannot be overstated. The demand for ancillary materials, especially in support of language, math and science curricula, continues to grow as research demonstrates the crucial role of tangible materials in deepening understanding and enhancing knowledge retention.

As educators navigate the evolving landscape of education, striking a balance between digital innovation and traditional methodologies remains essential. By integrating hands-on approaches into curricula, schools can foster a more comprehensive learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles and maximizes educational outcomes for all students.[7] In doing so, educators can ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that embraces both modern technological advancements and time-tested teaching practices, effectively preparing students as lifelong learners.

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[1] What is Kinesthetic (Multi-Sensory) Learning?” Sensory Site,  November 30, 2022, https://www.sensorysite.com/what-is-kinesthetic-multi-sensory-learning/.

[2] C. Kontra, D.J. Lyons, S.M. Fischer, and S.L. Beilock, “Physical Experience Enhances Science Learning,” Psychological Science 26, no. 6 (2015), https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797615569355.

[3] University of Chicago, “Learning by Doing Helps Students Perform Better in Science,” University of Chicago News, April 17, 2019, https://news.uchicago.edu/story/learning-doing-helps-students-perform-better-science.

[4] Anatomy of the Brain.” Brain Anatomy | Mayfield Brain & Spine Cincinnati, Ohio, April 2018.  https://mayfieldclinic.com/pe-anatbrain.htm.

[5] Jean Piaget, The Language and Thought of the Child, trans. Marjorie Gabain and Ruth Gabain, Routledge Classics (London, England: Routledge, 2001).

[6] Dessy Harisanty, Dyah Srirahayu, Tiara Kusumaningtiyas, Esti Anugrah, and Islahun Permata, “The Utilization of Flashcards in Children Information Literacy Development,” Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2020, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346107913_The_Utilization_of_Flashcards_in_Children_Information_Literacy_Development.

[7] Students Who Act Out Science Lessons Perform Better, Study Finds,” Phys.org, April 17, 2015, https://phys.org/news/2015-04-students-science.html.