Learning what kinesthetic learning is is vitally important for you to know how best to accomplish your day-to-day tasks. For example, if you find it easier to study when someone asks you questions while you are walking or doing another activity than when you are sitting down reading a book, you are probably a kinesthetic learner.
But what does it mean to have a kinesthetic learning style?
Starting from the general concept, according to psychologist Samuel Messick, “a learning style has multiple definitions, but they all agree that it is about how the brain processes information and how it is influenced by the brain’s perceptions.”
Therefore, you should keep in mind that, depending on the type of intelligence that is predominant in you, the way you learn will be different from that of others. And, to avoid frustrations along the way, you must discover how you find it easier to learn, through auditory learning, visual learning or through the kinesthetic learning style.
To help you with that task, today we will explain what kinesthetic learning is, what its characteristics are, its main advantages, the best strategies to enhance kinesthetic learning in your daily life, and some examples with which you can learn dynamically through this learning style.
So, are you ready to get started? Get comfortable and continue reading.
what is a kinesthetic learning style?
Let’s start by defining what kinesthetic learning is so that you can identify from now on if you are, indeed, a kinesthetic person.
First, we all have specific learning styles that help us engage with information. In that sense, kinesthetic learning is the method in which people prefer interactive forms of training to understand their roles and responsibilities effectively.
According to the Technological University of Mexico, we can define kinesthetic learning as a way of learning through movement and contact with the elements around us.furthermore, experts affirm that, although this learning style is slower than the others, what is learned becomes difficult to forget.
A very clear example of what kinesthetic learning is can be seen reflected when we learn to drive a car or ride a bicycle, because, even with the passage of time, we do not forget how to do it.
Therefore, kinesthetic learners retain information more effectively when they can move their bodies and interact with their environments, prefer to be active participants rather than passive observers, and generally solve problems through trial and error rather than just accepting the information they receive.
So what is kinesthetic learning? In other words, it is a type of intelligence that involves processing information through touch and movement. Building simulations and conducting experiments are some of the forms of kinesthetic learning, also called tactile learning or physical learning.
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what are the characteristics of the kinesthetic learning style?
Well, now that you know what kinesthetic learning is, you are probably wondering if you are a kinesthetic person. So, how can you know if you are a kinesthetic learner in order to enhance your skills later on?
For this, there are some characteristics of kinesthetic learning that you should take into account so that you can adapt your study habits and excel in everything you set out to do.
1. You prefer to be in a multisensory environment.
One of the main characteristics of a kinesthetic person is that they need a multisensory environment for deep learning, that is, they learn by “doing”
According to the University on the Internet, people who learn through kinesthetic learning, do it based on trial and error dynamics, that is, trying different alternatives until they reach their own conclusions.
As you can see, a kinesthetic learner is someone who needs to be actively engaged in their learning. They are “tactile” people who use movement, testing, trial and error, and a non-traditional learning environment to retain and remember information.
If this sounds familiar, you’re probably more aligned than you thought with what kinesthetic learning is.
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2. You can retain information longer
Another characteristic of the kinesthetic learning style is that, in general, what we learn through it stays longer in our memory. The brain can store information, as well as memories, in a more practical way when we have been an active part of it, that is, when we have experienced it .
For example, don’t you find that you can clearly remember moments or situations from years ago, but you easily forget what you heard on the news a month ago? If this has happened to you, you are about to find out why this happens and how it relates to kinesthetic learning.
Basically, actions (what we do / did) are easier to remember than sensory information (what we see / hear / read). so, if you are one of those people who, when learning through movement, do not forget what they have learned or experienced, in short: you are a kinesthetic person.
In that sense, you should keep in mind that one of the best ways to train your brain is to perform mental exercises to stimulate your learning. Therefore, we invite you to download this mental gymnastics guide with which you can exercise your memory through different dynamics to practice at home.
3. You don’t feel comfortable learning theoretical concepts
Continuing with the characteristics of what kinesthetic learning is, it is important to highlight that people who align themselves with this style of training tend to value practical information over theoretical concepts. Therefore, they are better suited to perform activities that involve their bodily expression.
This does not mean that they cannot learn the concepts and terms they read in a book, but rather that it will be more difficult for them to do so. Therefore, if you are a kinesthetic person or know someone who is, it is best to recommend that they integrate these concepts into their daily lives through activities that include physical movement .
If you do not know how to adapt the theoretical information that surrounds you to what is kinesthetic learning, do not worry, later we will give you all the examples you need to achieve it.
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4. You learn through experience
On the other hand, what else is involved in what is kinesthetic learning? This teaching style is aligned with practice directly, that is, if you are a kinesthetic person, it is very likely that you feel comfortable playing games, making models or representations of what you study to better retain the information .
This happens because kinesthetic people are curious by nature and have a preference for learning through action, in other words, they love to experiment. Therefore, you should keep in mind that if you do not transform concepts into a dynamic representation of them, you may not learn anything effectively
5. You like working in a group
Continuing with the characteristics of a kinesthetic learning style, you should keep in mind that people who study through movement really enjoy learning in groups.
But why does this happen? Simply put, this is because when there are more people involved, there are more opportunities to engage in what is kinesthetic learning directly. For example, it is possible to create study groups, play games with each other to learn the terms of a reading, etc.
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what are the advantages of kinesthetic learning?
Now that you know what kinesthetic learning is and its main characteristics to determine if you are a kinesthetic person, let’s see what are the benefits of being a kinesthetic learner.
1. Better retention of information
do you remember when we defined what kinesthetic learning is? Part of the concept tells us that, although this is a slow learning process, movement and physical interaction help people retain information better.
In this way, kinesthetic people can instantly see what the result of the techniques they are applying is and thus reinforce the concepts they are working on at the moment.
Also, it is important to mention that kinesthetic learning often includes physical repetition of tasks, which develops muscle memory and further increases retention.
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2. Promotes engaged participation
On the other hand, by implementing what is kinesthetic learning in your day to day life, you will be able to stay focused on your activities for longer periods of time. Movement can increase energy and this will make you stay focused during your workout or study session.
Keep in mind that kinesthetic people are more engaged with instructions and information when reinforced by experimentation and application.
3. Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Kinesthetic learning enhances critical thinking skills and problem solving through trial and error experimentation. unlike auditory and visual learning styles, which simply present information, kinesthetic learning encourages people to discover information for themselves.
In this way, through their experiences, they will be able to experience the various concepts they are learning and thus find it easier to internalize them.
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4. Stimulates strategic risk-taking skills
Knowing what kinesthetic learning is encourages logical risk-taking as people explore concepts and practice with new tools on their own. Taking risks can promote innovation and growth in both individuals and organizations.
So, if you are in charge of a team, don’t hesitate to apply kinesthetic learning to enhance your team’s capabilities.
5. Develops autonomy and self-confidence
Kinesthetic learning is not usually carried in the same way in all participants. And, although it sounds like a disadvantage, in reality it is not; because this factor allows people to discover and practice new concepts for as long as they need to fully understand them .
In this way, what is kinesthetic learning can promote individual growth and confidence by encouraging each participant to compare his or her own progress over time, rather than comparing it to that of anyone else. However, it is essential to remember that any progress is achieved based on perseverance.
6. Strengthened working relationships
Kinesthetic learning can also promote teamwork and encourage people to collaborate together to achieve their goals. When people cooperate in activities such as group role-playing, their bonds and mutual trust are developed.
Likewise, through kinesthetic learning, you can enable your employees to release stress and relax so they can continue their day in high spirits. Keep in mind that movement is essential to release recover energy and feel good.
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what are the kinesthetic learning strategies?
So, if after having discovered what kinesthetic learning is, as well as its characteristics and advantages, you are surely wondering how you can apply this type of training in your day-to-day life, while studying or working.
Here are some strategies of the kinesthetic learning style so that you can put this method into practice from now on.
1. Combines your study or work session with exercises
Now that you know you’re a kinesthetic learner, instead of plopping down on the couch with your notes, get up and take active breaks to relax. These serve to clear your mind after a long period of concentration and are perfect for de-stressing.
On the other hand, if you are in college or university and need to prepare for an exam, you can ask a friend or family member to quiz you on the most important questions for your test while you go for a walk.
Try to combine intellectual activity with dynamics that allow you to expend energy so that you can consolidate the ideas you are studying in your brain.
2. Make small movements while learning
It is not always possible to stand up during a study session, but you can still use kinesthetic learning strategies to stay engaged.
For example, bounce a tennis ball on the floor and catch it every time you answer a question or every time you have a relevant idea. Also, you can twist a rubber band around your wrist or a pencil while reading. Although the movements are small, they will also help you stay focused.
3. Try tension and relaxation
When you find yourself in a study situation that really limits your ability as a kinesthetic person, use this tension and relaxation technique to stay focused:
In five- to ten-second intervals squeeze a particular muscle. Then relax when the seconds have passed.
This kinesthetic learning technique will help you release unwanted tension, as this is something kinesthetic people often experience during moments of inactivity.
4. Use graphic resources to transform information
If a topic has become difficult for you, try approaching it from another angle. Use materials that you can manipulate, such as blocks or figurines, to internalize the concepts you are studying.
You can also use mind maps and add sticky notes that show the main ideas. Without a doubt, using effective reading strategies combined with movement makes it easier for kinesthetic learners to study.
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what are the best examples of kinesthetic learning in the workplace?
Finally, you’ve arrived at the section where you’ll learn about the best examples for applying what kinesthetic learning is in the workplace.
Before delving into each example, it is important to emphasize that training programs with components designed for kinesthetic learners and similar learning styles can give all participants the best chance of understanding and retaining information.
So, if you have tried other methods so far that have not been successful with your employees, pay attention to the following examples of kinesthetic learning and get ready to empower you and your team.
1. Interactive documents
Multiple-choice questions and drag-and-drop tasks can make presentations and documents more interactive, and through kinesthetic learning, your employees will be able to improve their retention of the concepts you have presented to them .
Remember that, as we mentioned before, knowledge tends to remain longer in people who perform any activity while they receive the information. Therefore, if you want your team not to forget things so quickly, the best thing to do is to transform based on the kinesthetic method, don’t you think?
2. Practical simulations
On the other hand, hands-on simulations allow kinesthetic people to practice new concepts and tools to learn for themselves how best to complete tasks.
For example, during a training course for new software, supervisors may ask participants to perform group activities to learn more about the new program and its features, rather than watching a video presentation about the software.
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3. Animations
Technology helps us create animated versions of almost any process, task or concept that people use so that they can be more easily understood. This kinesthetic learning technique is an excellent option when hands-on simulations are not feasible .
For example, interactive animation of a new web application would allow participants to click on different components of the device to see what the platform can do. They can even complete tasks virtually to demonstrate a process.
Undoubtedly, this example of the kinesthetic learning style will serve you well when introducing your employees to new software or a new sales method you want to implement in the commercial area – you decide when to use it!
4. Role-play exercises
Role-playing in common work situations is a fundamental part of kinesthetic learning, as it is basic to practice tasks and interactions that your team may encounter during their workday .
An example of kinesthetic learning in this case would be the following: customer service managers can role-play the conversations of a potential customer to practice how they would help a customer who is dissatisfied with the product or service they have purchased.
After the role-play has been completed, the participants who have observed the role-play can discuss what could be improved. In this way, your employees can actively discuss what they have witnessed, establish whether they thought it was correct or whether they would change some things, and, at the end, present it to their peers to generate debate.
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5. Microlearning lessons
Microlearning condenses education into short, typically interactive lessons. They generally last between three and five minutes, which encourages the delivery of innovative and meaningful content in short segments.
This kinesthetic learning technique is offered online and can appeal to people who work well with technology.
6. Serious games
The latest example of what kinesthetic learning is that we have prepared for you will surely surprise you. Over the years, and thanks to different studies, it has been shown that video games are kinesthetic learning tools that stimulate auditory, visual and even sensory senses .
Among the examples of kinesthetic learning we can identify serious games, a category of video games and an educational trend that, in addition to entertaining, its main objective is to educate through interaction and education.
That’s right, video games will not only help you pass the time at home when you have nothing to do, they can also be the ideal tool to put into practice what is kinesthetic learning in order to learn new concepts .
Here are some of the most popular examples of kinesthetic learning in video games:
Minecraft: this is one of the most used video games by institutions, as it is a good way to promote the learning of numerical operations and to develop logical reasoning in routine activities.
Endeavor RX: it is the first video game approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) that can be used in treatments related to attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders in children from 8 to 12 years old.
Mulaka: a video game that addresses the mythology of the Tarahumara people in order to promote learning about the history of Mexican culture. In it, players will learn through solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles.
Family HHeroeSS: is considered the first video game to develop emotional intelligence and social skills. It is a great example to understand what kinesthetic learning is through collaborative mechanics.
So, would you dare to apply these examples of kinesthetic learning in your team? Without a doubt, it will be a different, but effective, option to work with concepts that can be complicated to learn in a traditional way, while interacting as a community and fostering teamwork.
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Now that you know what kinesthetic learning is and what its characteristics are, we are sure that you have been able to define whether you are a kinesthetic person or not. in the same way, you know what are the advantages of being one, as well as the best strategies to enhance this learning style in your day to day and internalize every concept you need.
good luck!