4. Modality Principle

What Modality Principle Is

According to Clark and Mayer (2011), the modality principle explains that a verbal explanation should be provided with an animation, video, or series of still frames without reading directly verbatim from the material being displayed (Clark & Mayer, 2011, p. 115). The printed material on a powerpoint presentation should merely be used to reiterate the topic being discussed and the individual providing the instruction should adequately explain its purpose on the screen in order to achieve effective learning processes.

How the Example Shows (or Doesn't) Modality Principle

An excellent example of violating the modality principle is professor teaching C++ programming. A professor should refrain from lectures of 100+ slides of full content "edge to edge" with C++ code, similar to the image provided below, reading directly from each slide in only a four hour block of instruction.While it is necessary to show the code to the individual, it is important for the educator to not read directly from the overabundance of slides being presented.

Example: Advanced C++ Programming Code

Reference

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2011). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer