A tactile/kinesthetic learner learns best when information is presented using touch and movement. This means that the more the learner is able to touch, manipulate the materials used to present the information, or use his/her body movements, the easier it may be for that learner to learn the information. Some of the things a tactile/kinesthetic learner might need to use may be: a typewriter, computer keyboard, sand in a sand tray, blackboard, letter or word magnets, concept models that may be taken apart, stamp pad letters and numerals, gross motor materials (materials requiring large muscle movement), dioramas, and manipulatives.
A tactile/kinesthetic learner may prefer to study using the materials just listed. The learner may prefer to study by re-writing his/her notes, typing them on a typewriter, or writing them on a computer. In fact, a tactile/kinesthetic learner may need to write, and re-write his/her school notes, over and over and over again, in order to study. He/she may like to use sign language, physically using hand and finger movements, to help remember concepts. Pretending to write words in the air, or on one's leg is another method. A tactile/kinesthetic learner needs to move, build, investigate, and physically create concepts. Unconvential study methods involving movement may be employed. Bouncing a ball, doing jumping jacks, or jumping rope, while saying ones study information (cadence), are examples of study activities requiring movement. Drumming, tapping one's feet, or marching, while reciting information, are other examples. Tactile/kinesthetic learners will focus on the physical movement to the rhythm to support their learning. Having the learner write the information in large letters on a blackboard, requires large muscle movements. Writing information with your finger, in a tray lightly covered in sand, is another tactile presentation. The idea is to add movement and touch to any learning activity.
If the tactile/kinesthetic learner is presented with an activity that is not highly tactile/kinesthetic in nature, change the activity to accommodate the learner's needs. For example, let's say the tactile/kinesthetic learner must remember the information presented at a lecture. A lecture is primarily an auditory presentation (using hearing rather than touch and movement). An example of changing this activity to a tactile/kinesthetic presentation might be to get permission to tape the lecture. Later, the learner would listen to the tape at home and physically act out the information. The learner needs to be able to add touch and movement to the presentation. Let's say the learner wants to remember specific social studies facts. The learner might play a game of social studies charades, where classroom peers in a study group would have to guess the concept that was being acted out. If the learner is in school, try to find teachers that use hands-on activities during their presentations. Request those particular teachers.
Now that you know a little more about your learning style, see if you can match or adapt activities to increase your learning success.
If you intend to receive a "2LEARN" CONSULTATION , please remember your tactile/kinesthetic learning preference when answering questions: #27, 57, 63, 65, 67, and 70. You would answer "c" to these questions.