Technology-Enhanced Multisensory Instruction in Lower Secondary Biology: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Last registered on September 25, 2026
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Pre-Trial

Trial Information

General Information

Title
Technology-Enhanced Multisensory Instruction in Lower Secondary Biology: A Randomized Controlled Trial
RCT ID
AEARCTR-0019774
Initial registration date
September 18, 2026

Initial registration date is when the trial was registered.

It corresponds to when the registration was submitted to the Registry to be reviewed for publication.

First published
September 25, 2026, 9:53 AM EDT

First published corresponds to when the trial was first made public on the Registry after being reviewed.

Locations

Country
Morocco
Region
Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima

Primary Investigator

Name
OUSSAMA LAAROUSSI
Affiliation
Ibn Tofail University – Faculty of Sciences, Laboratory of Biology and Health
Contact Primary Investigator

Other Primary Investigator(s)

Additional Trial Information

Status
Completed
Start date
2025-10-01
End date
2025-12-02
Keywords
Education
Additional Keywords
multisensory learning, technology-enhanced learning, biology education, delayed retention, lower secondary education
JEL code(s)
Secondary IDs
Prior work
This trial does not extend or rely on any prior RCTs.
Abstract
This completed randomized controlled trial examined the effects of technology-enhanced multisensory instruction on biology learning and delayed retention among lower secondary school students in Morocco. A total of 152 students aged 13 to 16 years were matched according to baseline biology knowledge and randomized within 76 matched pairs to either an experimental condition or an active control condition. The intervention consisted of three biology lessons combining, depending on the topic, three-dimensional digital models, animations, physical models, gestures, and hands-on activities. The active control group studied the same biology content with the same teacher and comparable instructional time using conventional classroom materials. Primary outcomes assessed delayed retention approximately one month after the relevant lessons, while secondary outcomes assessed immediate learning after each lesson. Analyses adjusted for baseline knowledge and students’ original class.
External Link(s)

Registration Citation

Citation
LAAROUSSI, OUSSAMA. 2026. "Technology-Enhanced Multisensory Instruction in Lower Secondary Biology: A Randomized Controlled Trial." AEA RCT Registry. September 25. https://doi.org/10.1257/rct.19774-1.0
Sponsors & Partners
Experimental Details

Interventions

Intervention(s)
The experimental condition consisted of three two-hour biology lessons using technology-enhanced multisensory instruction. Depending on the topic, students used three-dimensional digital models, animations, physical models, gestures, and hands-on activities. The active control group studied the same biology content with the same teacher and comparable instructional time using conventional classroom materials, printed documents, images, and static diagrams.
Intervention (Hidden)
The intervention included three two-hour lessons. Session 1 focused on the digestive tract and food transformation and used a physical three-dimensional model of the digestive system. Session 2 focused on nutrients and intestinal absorption and used Corinth Classroom to explore a 3D model of the small intestine and intestinal villi, followed by a physical model. Session 3 focused on respiration and gas exchange and used the PULMO software together with a bottle-and-balloon model to illustrate respiratory movements. Students also used gestures, observation, manipulation, and oral explanation activities. The active control condition covered the same topics, with the same teacher and similar teaching time, using the usual classroom approach based on teacher explanations, the textbook, printed documents, images, and static diagrams.
Intervention Start Date
2025-10-03
Intervention End Date
2025-11-04

Primary Outcomes

Primary Outcomes (end points)
Two delayed retention scores, each measured on a 0–20 scale approximately one month after the relevant lessons. The first delayed retention test assessed knowledge from Sessions 1 and 2 on digestion and intestinal absorption. The second delayed retention test assessed knowledge from Session 3 on respiration and gas exchange.
Primary Outcomes (explanation)
Each outcome was the total score obtained on a study-developed biology assessment scored from 0 to 20. No composite index was constructed.

Secondary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes (end points)
Three immediate post-session learning scores, each measured on a 0–20 scale immediately after Sessions 1, 2, and 3. Each assessment measured the biology content taught during the corresponding session.
Secondary Outcomes (explanation)
Each secondary outcome was the total score obtained on a study-developed assessment scored from 0 to 20. No composite index was constructed.

Experimental Design

Experimental Design
This was a two-arm individually randomized controlled trial conducted in a public lower secondary school in Morocco. A total of 152 students were matched into 76 pairs according to baseline biology knowledge and similarity of pretest scores. Within each pair, one student was randomly assigned to the experimental condition and the other to the active control condition, resulting in 76 students per condition. Both conditions covered the same biology topics, were taught by the same teacher, and received comparable instructional time. The study included a baseline pretest, three instructional sessions, three immediate post-session assessments, and two delayed retention assessments.
Experimental Design Details
After individual randomization, four instructional groups of 38 students were formed for practical organization, with two groups per study condition. This grouping did not alter the original randomized assignments. The experimental condition used technology-enhanced multisensory instruction, while the active control condition used the usual classroom approach. All students were analyzed according to their original randomized condition.
Randomization Method
Students were first matched into 76 pairs based on baseline biology knowledge and similarity of pretest scores. Within each matched pair, two folded slips labeled “active control” and “experimental” were prepared, mixed, and drawn so that one student was assigned to each condition. The assignment was concealed before the draw.
Randomization Unit
Individual student, randomized within matched pairs.
Was the treatment clustered?
No

Experiment Characteristics

Sample size: planned number of clusters
152 individual students (non-clustered individual randomization).
Sample size: planned number of observations
152 students.
Sample size (or number of clusters) by treatment arms
Active control condition: 76 students; Experimental condition: 76 students.
Minimum detectable effect size for main outcomes (accounting for sample design and clustering)
No formal a priori power calculation or minimum detectable effect size calculation was conducted. The study included all eligible students from the five participating classes who agreed to participate and completed the baseline pretest; 152 students were randomized.
Supporting Documents and Materials
IRB

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

IRB Name
Scientific and Ethics Committee, Biology and Health Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University
IRB Approval Date
2025-04-07
IRB Approval Number
LBS-2025-04
Analysis Plan

Post-Trial

Post Trial Information

Study Withdrawal

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Intervention

Is the intervention completed?
Yes
Intervention Completion Date
November 04, 2025, 12:00 AM +00:00
Data Collection Complete
Yes
Data Collection Completion Date
December 02, 2025, 12:00 AM +00:00
Final Sample Size: Number of Clusters (Unit of Randomization)
152 individual students
Was attrition correlated with treatment status?
No
Final Sample Size: Total Number of Observations
152 students
Final Sample Size (or Number of Clusters) by Treatment Arms
Active control condition: 76 students; Experimental condition: 76 students.
Data Publication

Data Publication

Is public data available?
No

Program Files

Program Files
No
Reports, Papers & Other Materials

Relevant Paper(s)

Reports & Other Materials