Leadership Turn

The Kinesthetic Learner

by Mary Jo Manzanares on August 3rd, 2006

We’ve already discussed the Visual and Verbal learner, and if those styles just didn’t seem quite right, you are probably a Kinesthetic learner. 

In its most simple explanation, a kinesthetic learner learns by doing.

What does this mean?  A kinesthetic learner is a hands-on kind of person.  They need an interactive experience to maximize the learning process, and frequently grow bored in a lecture situation.  If kinesthetic learners are stuck in a traditional classroom or educational mode, they will need to take regular breaks, stand and stretch on occasion, and may need to have chewing gum or a snack handy to provide a little physical release as well.

If you are a kinesthetic learner, you may use phrases like:

• Let me try that.
• Can you watch and see if I’m doing this correctly?
• I’ll tackle that after I take a break.

How to enhance your skills if you are a kinesthetic learner:

• Volunteer for role play or acting out scenarios.
• Take frequent breaks, stand, or move about.
• If learning a new skill, have someone observe you performing the skill to make you’ve grasped it.

If you are a trainer, or planning a conference, here are ways to make sure you reach the kinesthetic learner:

• Plan interactive learning modules.
• Schedule regular, and frequent, changes in the way information is presented.
• Don’t forget to plan in break time.
• Allow time for networking, and social interaction, before and/or after educational sessions.

Remember, the kinesthetic learner FEELS information.

Next up:  Making the learning styles work for you.

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• The Auditory Learner
• Use the Learning Styles to Develop Quality Training Modules
• How to Use the Learning Styles in Coaching Your Team
• The Visual Learner
• What’s Your Learning Style?

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