Kinesthetic Strategies
Introduction
Most students excel in learning through the kinesthetic method of learning. This is because the strategies integrate learning through feeling, touching, and experiencing material objects at hand. Experts affirm that children always enter kindergarten when naïve, kinesthetic and tactual learners who are not privy to most of the things they are likely to learn (LeFever, 2004). For that, they effectively learn by moving around and touching objects of teaching. When they graduate to the second grade, they begin learning visually based on what they see and remember. Later, at the elementary level, they become auditory learners. Distinctively, many adult learners have been facing difficulties when it comes to learning, and especially males, prefer using kinesthetic strategies of learning throughout their lives. Most of these learners have been more successful with this method of learning. Likewise, instructors have found the method to be effective as they try to instill knowledge to learners. This method is suitable for learners who acquire information fastest. Based on the success of this method of teaching, education is gradually shifting towards more practical and hands-on approach.
Discussion
The kinesthetic strategy of learning is suitable for underachieving students who are at risk of academic failure, and students who have attention deficiency. Fortunately, there are some kinesthetic interventions that can be useful in helping tactile learners to achieve their learning goals. Kinesthetic method of content delivery allows learners to explore course materials by periodically progressing in learning new items. Therefore, it presents them with opportunities of thriving in classes that involve activities such as learning laboratories and field trips. They can sense what is being taught and breaks down abstract ideas into manageable concepts.
Moreover, incorporation of movement in a class setting is essential as it involves interactions and engagement. Studies have revealed that most students learn effectively when they share concepts and ideas with colleagues (Lengel et al., 2010). In that way, learners can learn easily through discussion with peers. Fundamentally, movement in class setting will allow students to sit in strategic places such as near doors and windows, necessitating movement in and out of a classroom. Hence, they will be able to accomplish learning tasks without necessarily moving chairs and tables to cause a distraction.
Furthermore, kinesthetic learning method integrates learning through writing, diagramming, and mapping concepts on paper. An instructor can then put words and images on paper or large chalkboards visible to the learners. This enables a learner to create bigger and more complex representations into perspective. Kinesthetic learning methods promote effective use of space because learners can break down abstract ideas into simple real word representations of concepts. For instance, an instructor delivering content involving a step-by-step procedure can document all the procedures on pieces of paper and place them strategically on the floor. A student will then be allowed to walk through each step to instill the knowledge on how the process is a movement from one step to another.
This method of learning makes instructors to experiment on various motions that may be useful in delivering content to learners. Comparatively, learners who prefer kinesthetic technique of learning can connect images, ideas and movement just like their visual counterparts. For instance, learners can be allowed to hop, jump, and clap to reinforce different sections of learning activities. A student will easily recall concepts based on the kind of activity that reinforces it during testing. Kinesthetic strategies integrate objects and materials during the learning process. However, the best way is to accurately find the most creative way that learning session can be reinforced through learning activities.
Fundamentally, this method of learning ensures that there are frequent breaks between learning sessions to eliminate the problem of boredom and prevent learners from burning out. Instead of extending a learning session to go beyond two straight hours, it is advisable to break it down into workable 30 minutes with breaks in between to allow learners to internalize learned concepts. Experts claim that kinesthetic learners appear to have more learning energy, and once they internalize learned concepts, they will be able to manipulate and reproduce information through body movement (Pritchard, 2017). Therefore, they can retain a high percentage of concepts they learned. They can readily reproduce information when called into action. Instructors also find the learning process and activity to be interesting and exciting. In most cases, they are motivated to teach and deliver more content if they are sure that the concepts they are delivering are being internalized by the learners.
Comparison to Visual Learning Strategies
Kinesthetic learning style closely relates to visual learning method. In fact, some kinesthetic learners can prefer visual learning mode because both share the hands-on practical approach of learning. This method is useful for reading and writing tasks. Just like in kinesthetic learning, visual learners can effectively remember what has been documented down, even if they do not read it a couple of times. Distinctively, visual learning strategies ensure that learners are able to document directions and pay attention to instruction sessions if they watch them. Similarly, visual learning mode integrates the use of objects and materials to reinforce instructions. For example, visual learners can potentially use graphs, charts, illustrations and other visual materials to help them remember and rediscover taught concepts. Furthermore, visual learning techniques promote reading and note taking and invite learners to stay attentive in auditory learning settings.
Conclusion
There are many learners considered kinesthetic. Characteristically, they tend to be more energetic, can use their body parts during learning, they daydream, require extensive physical contact among others. The best way to deliver content and learning concepts is through a physical and hands-on approach that actively engages them. We all agree that different learners learn differently and so it is imperative to find best learning methods that align with learner needs. Kinesthetic learning strategies are crucial for children and adults who need to see, touch, and experience learning activities.
References
LeFever, M. D. (2004). Learning styles: Reaching everyone God gave you to teach. Colorado
Springs, Colo: David C. Cook.
Lengel, T., Kuczala, M., and Regional Training Center. (2010). The kinesthetic classroom:
Teaching and learning through movement. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin: Regional Training Center.
Pritchard, A. (2017). Ways of learning: Learning theories and learning styles in the classroom.
Abingdon, Oxon; New York, NY: Routledge.