Kinesthetic Learning Style
A learning style may be explained as a method in which an individual uses in gathering, identifying and processing certain information. It also refers to the process through which people acquire new information and skills. People have different preferences in learning and hence it is very imperative for each individual to identify his or her own learning style as this will help in devising the best learning habit. Learning styles are of various forms that help on the way people gather, identify and process a variety of the information (Ibrahim& Hussein, 2015). The styles are often developed in the brain and therefore use different parts of the brain for their implementation. Individuals can combine different learning styles and this enables one to best memorize the information he or she had gathered during the learning process. it is therefore vital for learners and trainers to pay attention on the learning approach and strategies employed to ensure maximum benefit from the course.
Kinesthetic learning style is a style whereby an individual can understand information by the use of their sense of touch. The best approach to taking information by the kinesthetic learners isthrough physically acting or carrying out exercises. Kinesthetic learners can effectively learn through concrete body experiences which are also known as whole body movement. Kinesthetic learners are hands on learners and put much emphasis in activities with a lot of movement and like activities such as collages, flashcards and other tangible objects. Such learners like physical involvement with tasks and engage in activities such as role playing and total physical response (Urval et al, 2014). Kinesthetic learners maximally benefit from a learning session when they can employ a variety of movements during the study session. They also incorporate learning into their day to day activities.
Kinesthetic learners can break down an organized visual field to separate some parts from it and also bring the parts together. Such learners have a lot of prowess in retrieving names for different objects. Kinesthetic learners have a great ability to conceive visual cues and therefore can easily understand coded information. The learners are also good at math and can therefore solve complex mathematical problems. The kinesthetic learners are fond of learning environments which have least interaction so that they get maximum time to exercise their kinesthetic abilities (Wagner, 2014). The learners also enjoy discovery learning in which they can come up with new ideas and strategies of doing things. They also enjoy individualized learning which they can implement at their own pace instead of beingordered around timelines. They thus take their time to learn material but ensure that they learn them accurately.
Kinesthetic learners employ different strategies sin learningwhich include typing notes after class and also creating a YouTube video to as a group that can be used later individually. The learners can also write notes onto flashcards, scrabble and make posters and the flashcards would be reviewed while walking or at places like the gym. A kinesthetic learner dog-ears pages where they can obtain critical information to facilitate easy retrieval of the same. Kinesthetic learners sit around the front of the classroom and also make movements while studying their notes to facilitate understanding of the notes(Ibrahim& Hussein, 2015). Sometimes, the kinesthetic learners read out their notes loudly and also engage in taboo-type game.
The learners also create models using the information at hand to facilitate easy retrieval. Additionally, the kinesthetic learners use the internet to research about a specific topic in which they have interest. The learners also visit the location of the material which they are learning including the library, museum and other historical sites. Kinesthetic learners use one note card for each step so that they can learn a sequence or equation. They also highlight material when reviewing or studying to make them easily identifiable in future. The learners use dry erase or chalk board to study or review so that they can easily erase and restudy (Urval et al, 2014).Kinesthetic learners also correlate physical movements with ideas and terms to make them easy to comprehend.
Students have different approaches to learning and thus employ different learning strategies. It is vital that learners are aware of their learning strategies due to the numerous benefits. Students acknowledge the individual differences they have and therefore accept the fact that they can never be like others. a student who is aware of his or her learning style is best suited for them and cultivate the best practices for the style. It is easy to identify one’s shortcomings while taking a given approach to learning and make adjustments correctly. The identification of one’s learning strategy also enables a person to make plans on the courses that they would like to pursue in future bearing in mind their capability. Knowledge of learning styles and strategies help educators to determine the best approach to use with different kinds of learners and subjects (Wagner, 2014). The teachers therefore can make informed decisions on which learning activities they would engage students in based on the knowledge of learning styles.
References
Ibrahim, R. H., & Hussein, D. A. R. (2015). Assessment of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning style among undergraduate nursing students. International Journal of Advanced Nursing Studies, 5(1), 1-4.
Urval, R. P., Kamath, A., Ullal, S., Shenoy, A. K., Shenoy, N., &Udupa, L. A. (2014). Assessment of learning styles of undergraduate medical students using the VARK questionnaire and the influence of sex and academic performance. Advances in physiology education, 38(3), 216-220.
Wagner, E. A. (2014). Using a kinesthetic learning strategy to engage nursing student thinking, enhance retention, and improve critical thinking. Journal of Nursing Education, 53(6), 348-351.
