Kinesthetic learners prefer to learn by ‘hands-on’ experience

Have you been able to determine your dominant personal learning style by the characteristics examined in two previous related articles? There is one more learning style to inspect- kinesthetic learning. If you didn’t identify with the visual or auditory learner, perhaps this is you.

Kinesthetic learners prefer to learn by “hands-on” experience. About 10% of the general population is made up of kinesthetic learners. They prefer to learn by getting their bodies into action and moving around. Moving is so fundamental to kinesthetic learners that they often fidget; it helps them concentrate better. Kinesthetic learners will often volunteer to participate in demonstrations just to get in on the action. They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need for activity and exploration.

Look over this list of characteristics to see if they sound familiar to you. A kinesthetic learner:

• is good at sports.

• can’t sit still for long periods.

• is not great at spelling.

• does not have good hand writing.

• likes science lab.

• studies with loud music on.

• likes adventure books and movies.

• likes role playing.

• takes breaks when studying.

• builds models.

• is fidgety during lectures.

Here are some suggested methods of study which kinesthetic learners may find effective. Study in short blocks. Take lab classes. Do role playing. Take field trips. Study with others. Use memory games and flashcards to memorize material.

If you are a kinesthetic learner, you may find these study tips useful. An adult education instructor can help you determine your personal learning style and develop a study plan that’s effective for you.

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