During my academic and professional journey so far, I have come across several scenarios where I attended a class or a training session, and the teacher or instructor kept lecturing endlessly.
Although I tried my best to pay attention and remain engaged, most of the time I was bored and indifferent.
This scenario is not unusual. Many students at all grade levels are facing the same reality today.
Lack of focus and attention affect their ability to learn because their style of learning doesn’t fit the traditional mold. These students, like myself, are kinesthetic learners.
Kinesthetic learners, also known as hands-on learners, learn better by doing things rather than just listening to someone talk about them.
In this article, we will examine in-depth kinesthetic learning and why it has become one of the most effective teaching methods for students of all ages.
Understanding Kinesthetic Learning Styles
Kinesthetic learners are those who learn best through physical activity, hands-on experiences, and movement.
These types of learners are often labeled as clumsy or fidgety, but in reality, they are simply more engaged when they are actively participating in the learning process.
Does this sound like anyone you know?
To give you a better understanding of what a kinesthetic learner looks like, let’s think about students in a science class.
If students are working on building a model of a cell structure in science; or maybe in social studies, my favorite subject by the way, they step into the shoes of historical figures through role-play; students are actively engaged in learning.
These students are getting into the subject matter, grasping it with their hands-which is what Kinesthetic learners do best.
The key to making this approach work is that students are encouraged to engage with the material they are learning and make sense of it in a concrete, physical way.
The Science Behind Kinesthetic Learning
Kinesthetic learning, sometimes known as “experiential learning,” is more than just a teaching strategy; it also has strong scientific support that demonstrates its value in education.
Several studies have been done to better understand why certain people benefit from being actively involved in physical learning situations.
Let’s take a look at some examples below:
The VARK paradigm, which stands for visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic, is the most well-known. This theory states that each person has a predominant learning style that they may utilize in the classroom.
Many researchers have written about kinesthetics. One of the more well-known theorists is David A. Kolb.
His theory of experiential learning, known as Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, emphasizes the need for a cycle of experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.
According to the theory, the most effective method of acquiring knowledge involves a four-stage process. The process goes something like this:
- Concrete Experience: This is the “doing” part. This first step would be doing something new for the very first time, like learning how to ride a bike.
- Reflective Observation: This step comes when you take a break from riding the bike and think about the experience. It’s almost like reliving the experience in your mind.
- Abstract Conceptualization: Based on the previous step of reflection, you come up with ideas based on how you can improve or make the experience better. Should you sit taller, maybe adjust your hand position? But, whatever you come up with, it has to make sense to you.
- Active Experimentation: Lastly, you take everything you did in the three prior steps and you put it all together.
After the initial four-stage process the cycle starts all over again, creating a new concrete experience.
When you repeat these cycles over and over again, you can learn more effectively because not only are you doing things, but you are also thinking, understanding, and applying what you have learned.
All of the aforementioned steps make the learning process more meaningful.
The Benefits of Kinesthetic Learning
In today’s digital world, there are many benefits to kinesthetic learning that work along with and improve traditional technology-based learning methods.
Let’s take a look at 9 reasons why you should care about blending styles and methods :
Improves Memory
Kinesthetic learning when blended with other methods such as listening or auditory learning, helps the learner remember information.
Multiple senses are being engaged so you are reading and listening which makes information easier to remember later.
Applies to Real-world Scenarios
Kinesthetic learning often copies real-world tasks. As a teacher, whenever I can relate information or an idea to a real-world task, my students understand the concept better.
They can then transfer this understanding to other areas of their life.
Complements Tech Tools
Digital resources, such as interactive simulations or augmented reality can improve kinesthetic learning.
These technologies allow for experiential learning in a controlled, risk-free environment.
Inclusive Learning
In today’s diverse educational landscape, adjusting to different learning styles is a must.
Kinesthetic learning activities can be mixed into digital classrooms, providing a more inclusive educational experience that addresses many different learning needs.
Encourages Active Participation
Kinesthetic learning supports active rather than passive learning. This can be particularly useful in educational settings, puts students in charge of their learning, gives them a sense of ownership, and teaches responsibility.
Enhances Skill Development
Many careers require a blend of mental and manual skills. Kinesthetic learning helps individuals develop both, which is beneficial in fields that require hands-on expertise, like healthcare, engineering, or skilled trades.
Improved Well-being
The physical activity often involved in kinesthetic learning can also improve mental well-being, an important consideration given the rise of stress and mental health concerns in today’s digital society.
Encourages Flexibility of Learning Environments
Physical activities that help in learning can be used in different types of classes, whether they are in-person, online, or a mix of both.
This allows teachers and students to have more options for how they learn and interact with the material.
Research supports that kinesthetic learning may be one of the most effective ways to help students retain information.
When students are actively involved in their learning, they tend to remember and understand what they are studying better.
This way of learning can also be helpful for students who find it difficult to learn in a traditional classroom setting because of conditions like ADHD or other learning disabilities.
Learning Becomes More Meaningful
As we mentioned before, some researchers believe that students who learn by moving their bodies tend to remember information better and understand it more easily.
A study published in the “Journal of Education and Practice” by Khizar A. Shah and Muhammad Anwar examines the positive impact of kinesthetic activities.
The study found that students who engaged in hands-on learning activities demonstrated a significantly better understanding of concepts and improved long-term retention compared to those in traditional lecture-based classrooms.
Research conducted by Barak Rosenshine and Carla Meister on Direct Instruction techniques supports the benefits of kinesthetic learning.
The study mentions that students in active learning experiences, such as manipulative activities or role-play, gain better understanding and knowledge transfer.
This could be one reason that teachers are supportive of using manipulatives alongside their lessons.
The kinesthetic Learner: A psychological Perspective
From a psychological perspective, Jean Piaget in his Theory of cognitive development, offered answers rooted in child development.
His research suggested that young children think more concretely than older children or adults.
Children depend on physically interacting with the world to make sense of it, and their capability to think abstractly is absent or, at best, present only in small form.
The concrete/abstract contrast forms one of the main differences between the two stages of cognitive development in Piaget’s theory.
In the concrete operational stage (from about age 7 to 12), the child uses concrete objects (for example manipulatives) to support logical reasoning.
Whereas in the formal operations stage (age 12 to adulthood), the child can think using pure abstractions.
As a teacher, this theory is supported in the current public school setting where students tend to stop using manipulatives after the 4th grade.
By creating opportunities for students to engage physically with the subject matter, teachers can cater to students’ preferred learning styles.
This approach also supports the activation of cognitive processes that make kinesthetic learning an effective educational approach can be done while students are engaged in learning.
Kinesthetic Learning in the Classroom
Putting kinesthetic learning to work in the classroom isn’t hard to do and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
There are many tools that teachers already have in their arsenal of tricks and resources that will allow this learning method to be easily and effectively introduced into the classroom or learning environment.
The benefit? Students who are actively engaged and retention of material is enhanced.
Here are ways teachers can integrate this type of learning effectively:
Hands-On Activities
- Lab Experiments: In subjects like science, simple lab experiments can help students understand concepts through direct experience.
- Arts and Crafts: Use materials to build models or create art that represents different educational concepts.
- Manipulatives: Use physical objects like blocks or beads to explain mathematical concepts.
Interactive Lessons
- Role-Playing: Have students act out historical events, scientific theories, or literary scenes to provide context and deepen understanding.
- Interactive Quizzes: Utilize classroom clickers or mobile apps for quizzes where students must move or engage physically with the material.
Physical Games
- Educational Obstacle Courses: Create stations where students must complete a challenge or solve a problem before moving on.
- Scavenger Hunts: Hide clues or items around the classroom or even the school. Tie these to the subject matter to make learning more interactive.
Movement-Oriented Tasks
- Gallery Walks: Place information or questions around the room and have students walk around to engage with them.
- “Move and Freeze”: Use this activity for quick reviews. Pose a question and give multiple-choice answers. Students move to different corners of the room based on their choice and then discuss why they chose it.
Technology Integration
- Interactive Software: Use educational programs that require active participation, such as drag-and-drop activities or simulations.
- Virtual Reality: Some VR platforms offer interactive educational experiences that engage learners physically.
Pair and Group Activities
- Think-Pair-Share: Students first contemplate a question or problem individually, then pair up to discuss, and finally share their conclusions with the class.
- Group Projects: Divide the class into small groups and assign each a different aspect of a topic. The physical act of collaborating can be a form of kinesthetic learning.
Real-World Assignments
- Field Trips: Take students to museums, botanical gardens, factories, or other relevant places where they can interact with the subject matter.
- Community Service: In subjects like social studies, active community engagement can be a practical form of learning.
Assessment through Action
- Physical Demonstrations: Let students show their understanding of a concept through a physical action or demonstration.
- Portfolio Assessments: Encourage students to compile portfolios that include physical projects or models they’ve created.
Remember to consider the diverse needs of your students and adjust these activities to accommodate not only kinesthetic learners, but other learning styles, abilities, and resources as well.
By incorporating kinesthetic learning in your classroom, you can create a more engaging and effective educational experience for your students.
Maximizing the Engagement of Kinesthetic Learners
The power of kinesthetic learning cannot be overlooked. It is an effective teaching method that caters to the physical and mental needs of students who may not fit the mold of traditional learners.
Incorporating hands-on activities not only makes learning more engaging but also enables students to retain information more effectively, making them better prepared for real-world challenges.
As we continue to understand the positive impact of kinesthetic learning, educators have an opportunity to create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment that helps all students excel.
FAQs
What Is Kinesthetic Learning and How Does It Work?
Kinesthetic learning is a special way of learning that involves your body. Instead of just sitting and listening, you get to move around and use your hands. It’s like learning by doing. When you touch, feel, or move things, it helps you remember and understand better. So, kinesthetic learning is when you learn through action and movement.
What Are Some Effective Kinesthetic Learning Strategies for Students?
Effective kinesthetic learning strategies are like fun tricks to help you learn better. Here are some ideas: acting it out, hands-on projects, games and quizzes, and using movement while studying. These strategies make learning more exciting and memorable.
How Does Kinesthetic Learning Benefit Different Age Groups and Subjects?
Kinesthetic learning is like a superpower that can help people of all ages and in different subjects. For younger students, like those in elementary school, it can make learning more fun. Imagine using your body to learn math.
In middle school, kinesthetic learning can be helpful in subjects like social studies. Instead of just reading about history or geography, you can make maps, act out historical events, or even create a play about important figures.
Even high school students benefit from kinesthetic learning. For example, in chemistry class, you might do experiments that involve mixing chemicals. That’s kinesthetic learning in action, and it works with all age groups across different subjects.
