The Multiple Learning Experiences (M-LEx™) Model
A Holistic Approach to Education: Anil Mammen,Vice President & Chief Curriculum Designer, Tata Interactive Systems explains how the Multiple Learning Experiences (M-LEx™) Model, aims to make the teaching-learning process more experiential and enquiry-oriented.
Mumbai, December 24, 2013: Tata Interactive Systems’ comprehensive educational solution for K-12 schools “Tata ClassEdge” based on the Multiple Learning Experiences (M-LEx™) Model, aims to make the teaching-learning process more experiential and enquiry-oriented. In this instructional framework, the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in classrooms is a significant component.
TIS had earlier carried out a study on the use of ICT in many schools in India, and realized that the focus was on delivering learning content through the use of multimedia. However, traditional lecture methods and the new multimedia mode seemed to share the same assumption—that education is nothing but the transfer of information.
The M-LEx™ model designed by TIS has been developed on the following premises:
1. Learning has multiple dimensions: understanding, application, critical thinking, creativity and communication.
2. The teaching-learning process should include multisensory experiences (visual, auditory, verbal and kinaesthetic) to enable students to experience learning across different modalities.
3. In order to enable students to participate actively in learning, meaningful multisensory activities need to be designed to promote each dimension of learning.
The intention of this framework is to enable teachers to resist fixed patterns of teaching, build on the natural curiosity of children, and convert the classroom into an active learning space (as opposed to passive transfer of information). Therefore, Tata ClassEdge lesson plans, which are built on the M-LEx™ model, lay stress on designing activities that provide multiple experiences to children—experiences that arouse their curiosity and are engaging, explorative and participative.
Studies show that the human brain has evolved to develop, learn and operate optimally in multisensory environments. So, when more senses are involved in learning, the better it is for retention. Therefore, each teaching point within a lesson contains multisensory activities that are well-aligned to the content. The activities are a combination of not just different modalities (visual, auditory, verbal, and kinaesthetic) and levels of difficulty but are also a blend of discovery and practice activities. The M-LEx™ model also makes use of interdisciplinary correlations, called Plug Points, which link one subject to another or to contemporary events and research.
Commenting on the significance of M-LEx™, Anil Mammen, Vice President & Chief Curriculum Designer, Tata Interactive Systems says, “Children are natural learners. They learn through experiences and by tinkering with things. They learn by observing things and asking questions. They learn in ways we can’t even imagine. However, technology alone will be of precious little help if it is introduced without considering the way children learn and make sense of things. Hence, we sensed the need for an adoption model that integrates technology with effective teaching-learning practices. This will provide the required scaffolding and space for students to learn on their own.”
He added, “As a start, classrooms may promote an environment of inquiry, experimentation and dialogue. We should acknowledge the differences in aptitude and provide room for each child to build on his or her strengths.”