Abstract -- What is my research question?
Research Question: What effect does the use of multimodality in a lesson have on retention in elementary-age students?
I chose to research this topic because I am using this pedagogical technique, and want to share what I have learned. I am currently teaching a Spanish program to a second/third grade after-school program, and a fifth grade class (each are once per week). Each lesson involves some sort of art project, and I have noticed the students retaining a great amount from week to week. I want to analyze this research and discover exactly what types of effects art has on students. I believe that this topic is relevant because not only will it help me, but it can also help teachers figure out if implementing art into their lessons is a good technique.
Multimodality is especially useful in language classrooms because using different learning styles can help students better conceptualize the language in their own ways. (For example, visual learners can learn by watching videos, bodily-kinesthetic learners can learn by getting up and playing games, linguistic learners can learn by reading or writing in the target language, etc.).

This paper will analyze multimodality, including research such as Howard Gardner’s “Theory of Multiple Intelligences.” It will examine how the use of multimodal elements in a classroom can encourage maximum retention.