15th November 2018

Kinesthetic learner characteristics: what are they?

Characteristics of a Kinaesthetic Learner

We all have preferred learning styles that help us to engage with content and retain information. The three core learning styles are auditory, visual and kinaesthetic learning.

Kinaesthetic learning happens when we have a hands on experience. An example of a kinaesthetic learning experience is when a child learns to use a swing or to ride a bike. They can read instructions or listen to instructions, but deep learning occurs via the process of doing.

The characteristics of a kinaesthetic learner are that they need a multi-sensory learning environment for deep learning as they learn through ‘doing’. A kinaesthetic learner is someone who needs to be actively engaged in their learning. They are ‘tactile’ learners who use movement, testing, trial and error and a non-traditional learning environment to retain information and excel.

What are some common Kinaesthetic Learner traits?

• Understand more when learning through hands-on experience
• Become easily bored in a traditional classroom
• Learn through movement
• Enjoy sports and physical activity
• Is an active participant rather than a passive observer when learning
• Enjoys opportunities to go on excursions or be outside the classroom
• Likes to build things and work with their hands
• Loves testing things and experimenting and creating
• Is restless when they are sedentary
• They are hand talkers and expressive in nature.
• They love to try new things and rely on what they can experience or perform

What are the best ways to teach a Kinaesthetic Learner?

When teaching it is important to understand the most effective ways your students retain information and understand the concepts you teach them.

When you can identify those that need a traditional approach, with handouts, lecture style lessons and verbal summaries, you can cater to the auditory learners.

Students who need mind-maps, colour coded notes and visual guides will appreciate information set out this way. They are visual learners.

Make sure you have ‘hands on’ experiences, lessons that have a practical aspect and include movement for kinaesthetic learners.

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