Abstract:

In this poster I shall present the idea of multisensory class room, which is developed in Laurea University of Applied Sciences. So called Multisensory Space has been used in our Social Service Education for more than five years.

Multisensory space provides shared experiences for all the senses. Its principle idea is to promote learning, the encounters between different people and different cultures and enhance well-being. The space is not supposed to be an exhibition but a place where people can meet each other while the environment acts as an inspiration for discussion and thoughts. The space can act, for example, as a Somalian living room for multicultural encounters, a Parisian café for language studies or as an old Finnish sauna for reminiscence work. The Space is not supposed to be an exact copy of some particular real-life environment.

The physical multisensory space is an easily modified space where landscapes, sounds and items create different cultural surroundings for the visitors. The space is a room about 30 m² in size with white walls where videos or pictures can be reflected. There are also curtain rods in which different kind of curtains and fabrics can be hung up. The space has a sound system of a high level.

Also the process of creating and building the multisensory environments is important learning process for the students. All senses contribute in the building of a Multisensory Space. There is something to see, such as photographs, videos and visual landscapes, something to touch, such as different objects and fabrics, something to hear, such as music, other sounds or speech, something to smell, such as fragrances, spices and herbs, something to taste, such as finger foods and drinks. The Space is meant to be a comfortable environment that encourages and promotes interaction amongst visitors.

As a teacher multisensory space has given me the possibility to teach more creatively and more versatile. It gives also joy and inspiration and also new ways of approaching learning issue.