The kinesthetic learning process involves hands-on experience along with visual and auditory mediums. It enables learning through actual movement and bodily experience. This method is often carried out on kids in the classroom who find it challenging to grasp lessons given through reading or writing.
A classroom can appear as a humdrum or exhilarating place for students. It depends on the teaching method and their ability to receive it. Kinesthetic learning in the classroom is a blessing in this regard.
That said, in this article, I’m going to delve into the topic and paint a detailed picture for you. So, without wasting any moment, let’s begin.
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What is Kinesthetic Learning?
Kinesthetic Learning is a unique technique for acquiring information through physical activities like touching, moving, and physical interaction. Simulations such as educational videos and imitating a textbook concept in real life are at the heart of Kinesthetic Learning.
For example, a student can learn about the three states of water. Solid state by holding an ice cube. When it melts, that teaches him the liquid form. And finally, the gaseous state by watching steam going up while boiling that same water.
Now, Kinesthetic originates from the word ‘Kinesthesia.’ This word finds its roots in the historical Greek verb “kīneîn,” with its stem “kīnē-,” conveying “to move” or “set in motion.” The latter part is derived from the English noun “esthetic,” which denotes “capacity for sensation or feeling.” The combination of these two words gives birth to Kinesthesia.
See, this learning method belongs to the VARK model, which stands for Visual, Auditory, Read & Write, and Kinesthetic. Each of them is to teach a student effectively!
In addition, Kinesthetic learning is also known as Tactile learning style. Basically, it refers to the need for movement and realistic situational examples when teaching a topic.
Who are Kinesthetic Learners?
Up until now, I’m sure you know what Kinesthetic learning is. But who is it meant for?
Well, a unique group or individuals under the umbrella of VARK find it exciting and easy to learn by strongly participating in an activity. Listening to lectures and looking at the whiteboard doesn’t do much for them.
So, how would you identify a kinesthetic learner? Luckily, they possess qualities that set them apart.
Let’s look at the characteristics of Kinesthetic learners:
- Little to no understanding of a lesson via lectures.
- Captures a subject when they interact physically.
- Find it boring and mess around while listening.
- Barely sit still.
- Prone to perform hands-on tasks. The excitement is visible in their body language.
- Reading is at the top of their Not Interested list
- Excel in physical activities.
- Loves solving problems that involve practical experience.
Read Also: Problem Solving Activities for Kindergarten to Improve Kids’ Skills
How to Use Kinesthetic Learning in the Classroom?
In terms of applying the Kinesthetic learning technique, what’s better than a classroom?
See, from a very early age, detecting such a type of learner and practicing it will make everyone’s life less grueling.
After years of study and research, below are the key things you should do to use kinesthetic learning in a classroom.
1. Identify Kinesthetic Learners
This exceptional teaching method starts with knowing the kinesthetic learners in your class. I’ve already stated the qualities you should look for in a student to categorize them.
So, in a given class, pay attention to how they behave during class time, how they interact with each other, who is the most responsive, and what piques the interest of an individual.
Find answers for who pays attention to lectures and who remains absent-minded. Who loves to do things, and who doesn’t? Analyze the data, and soon enough, you’ll come to a conclusion.
2. Provide Practical Materials
Once you are done sorting the kinesthetic type of learners in a class, it’s time to facilitate the method in your teaching style. For that, bring in materials to implement this technique in your lesson.
For example, in preliminary classes, give them counting cubes to teach math concepts or let them try small scientific experiments such as the lemon volcano to unveil the fun side of science. This will boost their confidence and increase their enthusiasm to learn more.
3. Implement Physical Activities
Physical movement and interaction are the keys to implementing kinesthetic learning in a classroom. Encourage students to imitate historical events by role-playing. You can also utilize gestures to help them catch on to abstract concepts.
Moreover, create small games or puzzles that relate to diverse learning objectives. The most crucial part of such an action is stimulating a child’s mind and body in the same breath.
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4. Create Collaborative Opportunities
Another trick to implement kinesthetic learning in a classroom is to produce group work and assignments. This creates an opportunity for everyone to show enthusiasm and prove their ability in a proactive and collaborative environment.
Like how little drops of water make the mighty ocean, the tiniest participation in such an activity carves an everlasting sense of confidence. This paves the way for a kinesthetic learner to flourish in pursuing knowledge down the road.
5. Arrange Field Trips
A unique quality of a kinesthetic learner is that he/she can relate the real world to the classroom. This is what drives their learning and unprecedented understanding of a topic.
Therefore, arrange field trips such as to a museum or a zoo. The physical presence and interaction with the actual subject will accelerate the learning curve in the long run.
6. Take Feedback from Students
Once you successfully implement the above thing in your classroom, it’s time to gather feedback from the pupils and analyze them. Interact with each of them to know how they feel about all that has been improvised.
To give you a demonstration, get back to each student and talk to them if they grasp the lessons. Try to know whether they are comfortable participating in different activities.
Overall, bring out brutally honest feedback. Finally, adjust with necessary changes according to that.
Check Also: How to Use Conscious Discipline in the Classroom
Advantages and Disadvantages of Kinesthetic Learning Style
On the surface, Kinesthetic learning mostly benefits everyone in a classroom. However, in some situations, this can be a hard sell. Let’s discuss them briefly.
Advantages
- Almost all kinds of learners can quickly adapt to Kinesthetic learning.
- This learning style ensures maximum engagement in a class.
- Boosts motivation and focus by sidestepping the traditional teaching process.
- Students can retain a maximum portion of what they have learned for a long time through a kinesthetic learning style.
- It radically improves critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- In addition to strengthening social skills, physical stamina, cooperation, and decision-making skills, kinesthetic learning is uncontested.
Disadvantages
- Kinesthetic learning methods may not apply to all subjects and topics, such as complex philosophical and abstract concepts. Besides, not all schools facilitate this method, for that matter.
- It requires rife resources to implement kinesthetic learning in a classroom.
- Assessment is far more difficult than traditional teaching processes. It often requires qualitative measures.
- Extensive teacher training is required.
Closing Thoughts
In search of a powerful educational tool that transforms the classroom into an engaging, dynamic, inclusive, and appreciated space, kinesthetic learning is the best bet.
While it requires an additional strategic approach and resources, its perks are worth everything for teachers and students. Above all, it is the very method of teaching that fosters academic growth and personal development.
