Kinesthetic Learners-2

If you are a kinesthetic learner, it means you learn and process information through physical or hands-on interaction with information. It is also sometimes referred to as physical or tactile learning. You are often the person who struggles to sit through class. You get a lot out of field trips and do well in lab classes. Unfortunately, standard education is arguably least adaptive to kinesthetic learners, especially in the age of remote learning where opportunities for interactive learning are lower. Fortunately though, if you are aware of your learning style, you can take control of how you learn and approach information.

 

 

Learning Suggestions for Kinesthetic Learners

  • Study in short blocks: Study for only about 25 minutes and take a 5 minute break before going back. This will help your brain work most efficiently. This is true for all learning types, but especially for kinesthetic learners.
  • Study in groups: This can force you to interact with the material. Note that studying in groups is different than just splitting up a project and doesn't give you the same benefits. 
  • Move as you learn: You don't have to be sitting- and you shouldn't. Stand and walk around as you do read, listen to lectures, review notes, and practice flashcards. If you have a situation where you can physically act something out- including your notes, do it. It may make you feel (and potentially look) ridiculous at times, but it will be worth it. Moving will help your memory retention.
  • Use flashcards and memory games: Index cards can be your best friend. Transfer what you have in your notes onto cards and quiz your self. Definitions, concepts, topics, etc. can all be put on flashcards. Yes, there are online/app flashcard builders, but because of your learning style, they won't be very helpful. The act of creating them, shuffling them, moving them around, will provide much greater benefit than any app. Also, remember to do your flashcards in color or black & white depending on the bedroom exercise. Note cards can come lined or unlined- pick whatever works for you.  

 

 

Because you are a physical learner, let's look at how you can bring movement into your note taking:

  • Write your notes, don't type them.
  • Write and draw in your notes and your books. Don't just highlight- it doesn't do much for you. Instead, write down what you were considering highlighting. It'll force you to choose the most important part since you have to write it all down, but it'll also help you get it out of the book and onto a flashcard or your notes to more easily review later.
  • If you can draw a picture of a concept your teacher is explaining or doodle something related to it, it will help your memory.

 

As with all learning types:

  • Take your notes in color/black & white and web vs outline form based on the bedroom exercise.
  • Review your notes as soon as you can after class is over. This will help firm up the ideas and concepts in your mind. Also, have you ever come back to notes later, looked them over, and thought, "What does this even mean?". You've forgotten all your abbreviations, comments, etc. Reading notes over after you've written them (try within an hour) will help that as well. 
  • Because you are kinesthetic, when you are reviewing your notes, stand/walk/move. If you are able to stand in the same place or make the same movements when you read over certain topics, it will help your retention even more. 
  • Research shows that taking a nap after studying or studying right before bed helps solidify the information studied and help move it from short term to long term memory.

 

And one more thing: We've looked at HOW to study, but what about WHERE to study? What are the most productive surroundings for your learning type?