NEXUS - Mayer's 12 Principles of Multimedia Learning - 6 Specific

Mayer's Principles of

Multimedia Learning

6 Specific Principles

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6 SPECIFIC Principles

Voice

Redundancy

Pre-training

Image

Temporal Contiguity

Modality

EXAMPLE

Modality Principle

This principle explains that humans learn better from visuals and spoken words than from visuals and printed words.

Applicable for: Media containing audio narration and visual graphic, like video.

Implementation strategy:

• Make sure text is used only for key definitions, lists, and directions.
• Too many visual elements (text, animations, and graphics) would overwhelm learners.
• Use relevant graphics and only use animations to explain a process or concepts that need movement.

Why this example is good:

• The text is only for key concepts.
• The visual elements illustrate the concepts.
• Appropriate use of visual elements.

EXAMPLE

Voice Principle

This principle explains that humans learn better from a human voice than from a computer or artificial voice.

Applicable for: Media containing audio narration, like video or audio recording.

Implementation strategy:

• Use audio that was recorded professionally by a human.
• Use a neutral tone.
• Use a calm and easily comprehensible voice.

Why this example is good:

• Narration is using human voice.
• Narration is using neutral tone.
• Narration is using comprehensible voice.

EXAMPLE

Redundancy Principle

This principle states that humans learn best with narration and graphics, as opposed to narration, graphics, and text.

Applicable for: Media containing audio narration and visual graphic, like video.

Implementation strategy:

• If there is narration, focus on presenting graphics for the visual element.
• If you decide to use text, make it minimal.
• For accessibility purposes, you can add closed captioning that can be turned on and off.

Why this example is good:

• The animation enhance the narration.
• Automatic captioning available.
• Text is used to present names and concepts.

EXAMPLE

Temporal Contiguity Principle

This principle explains that humans learn best when corresponding narrative and visuals are presented together, instead of in consecutive order.

Applicable for: Media containing audio narration and visual graphic, like video.

Implementation strategy:

• Make sure the visual elements and narration or audio elements occur at the same time.
• Make sure voiceover audio is always timed well.

Why this example is good:

• The visual and audio elements match.
• Narration timing aligns well.
• The drawing effect is faster to match audio.

EXAMPLE

Image Principle

This principle states that humans do not necessarily learn better from a talking head video.

Applicable for: Media containing human or humanoid face, like video.

Implementation strategy:

• Try to limit the amount of talking head screen time by the instructor.
• Use relevant animations and visuals to help reinforce the audio voiceover.
• Talking heads can be used early in the meeting to build credibility and trust.

Why this example is good:

• No talking head in the screen.
• Relevant visuals and animation.
• Explanation is easy to comprehend.

EXAMPLE

Pre-training Principle

This principle states that humans learn more efficiently if they already know some of the basics.

Applicable for: Media containing processes or procedures, like online course.

Implementation strategy:

• There is an introductory guide about basic definitions, terms, and concepts.
• Provide a cheat sheet.
• Structure the learning from the basics and move up into more complicated concepts.

Why this example is good:

• Step-by-step instructions.
• Clear expectations on the task.
• Clear instructions for the task.