Characteristics
Kinesthetics are the doers. They are also known as the tactile learner. However, kinesthetic learners rely on much more than the mere stimulus provided by touch. Kinesthetic learners depend on the performance of a task. They prefer the hands-on approach. They like to finish what they start, and they enjoy the satisfaction that comes with completion of a project. They are very task-oriented and performance-oriented individuals. Therefore, they require the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities through performance in order to learn it effectively. Frustration mounts when they are denied this opportunity, which is why many topics of study can pose limitations. Fields of expertise that are inactive are commonly frustrating or dissatisfying. Kinesthetic learners are stimulated by action and motivated by the finished product. Kinesthetic learners often perform manual labor both in blue collar as well as professional fields of work. In the traditional classroom setting, kinesthetic learners more than any other kind, must learn to rely heavily upon their secondary learning style to succeed.
Assimilation
Kinesthetics assimilate information through touch and movement. Their memory is stimulated via their neuromuscular neurons via practice and repetition. Kinesthetic learners — whether it’s an instrument played, construction, dance, or athletics — all employ excellent body memory. Body memory is a combination of proprioception, gross and fine motor coordination, balance, and the stimulation of touch.
Motivation
Kinesthetics are motivated by performance and production. They want to be active in doing something that reveals results once they are finished. They are proactive individuals who are ready to go. These are the ones always looking for the green light. Few put their hands the plow better than a kinesthetic.
Method
Action and reaction are their keys. Repetition may be important. Kinesthetics are high energy people who require demonstration & practice in order to process. They often enjoy manual labor in varying types of work or professions. They are not sedentary individuals. They generally want to be on the go and keep moving. Their performance level peaks when they are kept busy. Kinesthetics prefer projects. Give them something to do. If they’re not actively participating, they either struggle or fail to engage, and may bore easily losing motivation to learn.
Means
Kinesthetics are task-oriented individuals who require engagement and participation. Kinesthetic learners prefer activities by which they can process, practice and perfect their skills. These can be very high energy people. They excel at hand-eye coordination. They love working with their hands, doing projects, and remaining active or staying busy. In the classroom, these are often the note-takers. Writing is a very apt hand-eye exercise they can utilize which stimulates their memory through the building of neural pathways on that particular subject. They enjoy being able to measure their work, knowing what to anticipate, and with defined dates or terms by which they can calculate themselves accordingly. They genuinely enjoy the process, but true fulfillment comes only when a project is completed.
Strengths
Kinesthetics enjoy calculating and implementing the process. These are the “doers”. They understand what is required to complete a task from start to finish, and are therefore the people you want when developing a plan for success. They are part-to-whole individuals, and when fully engaged possess the mental and physical fortitude to see a project through from ground zero onward. They are excellent team-players. They understand cohesion. They are often individuals who are highly focused, who possess great stamina, strength, and determination. They’re not easily thwarted. Kinesthetics genuinely enjoy staying active. If there is not something to do, they may very well hunt for a project to keep them busy, productive, and entertained.
Weakness or Dysfunction
Kinesthetics struggle within the traditional classroom setting just as much as Creatives do. There’s not a lot of room for them unless there are individual or group projects assigned. Therefore, many of them choose professions that afford them an opportunity or outlet to stay active, busy, and productive. Kinesthetics are people who like to see a model and then do it themselves. You can’t deny the kinesthetic an opportunity for practice. If you do, they’ll likely fail. They need the ability to touch, feel, move, do, perform, and practice. Subjects such as math, reading and writing, history, etc. — which are core subjects — present them with very few opportunities to develop their neuro-motor skills. They bore and frustrate easily. Sports and other vocational activities outside the classroom are vital for them.
Interactions
VISUAL: This is their most complementary learning style, hands down. If they can see what they need to do, they can replicate it easily. Demonstration is key. This is where the Visual can greatly aid the Kinesthetic. Where explanation may frustrate them, seeing is where they connect the dots. The Visual and Kinesthetic make a valiant pair. Likewise, where the Kinesthetic aids the Visual is in their ability to demonstrate for others.
AUDITORY: Kinesthetics may listen well, but again, the Visual learning style is by far their greatest ally. Kinesthetics can easily demonstrate for others, but may not provide the auditory learner a satisfactory explanation.
VERBAL: The Verbal may frustrate the Kinesthetic. Verbals seldom need to demonstrate or practice to learn, and Kinesthetics are rarely satisfied with explanation. They want more. They may listen very well, but hearing a matter explained is insufficient for them most of the time. Each will struggle to satisfy the other with what they need.
LOGICAL: Logicals and Kinesthetics are complementary in terms of analyzing and organizing a plan of action toward an end that justifies the means. This is when this pair make a powerful team.
KINESTHETIC: No doubt, when these pair up, they are a vital asset to each other, proving to be powerful. Things get DONE.
CREATIVE: Creatives are an excellent ally for a Kinesthetic. Both are high energy people. Again, the Creative is so versatile and adaptive that they will often be able to sympathize with a Kinesthetic’s need for demonstration, which they will be able to provide very easily. Likewise, the Kinesthetic will delight the Creative with their ability to demonstrate.
INDEPENDENT: Kinesthetics who are independent are very productive people. They are highly focused and diligent.
SOCIAL: Naturally, for the Kinesthetic, the more hands on deck — the more that will get done. Kinesthetics who are social prefer the team approach. They enjoy sports and other activities that involve a reliance upon others to succeed.
Suggestions
• Ask for opportunities to demonstrate.
• Ask to work with a peer with whom you can practice.
• Take excellent notes.
• Practice your skills privately.
• Initiate activities that give you an opportunity to learn the task.
• Consider joining a club or doing extracurricular activities that are dedicated to that field of study.
Prominent Traits
• Strength & Stamina
• Task-oriented
• Require opportunities to practice
• Performance driven
• Fulfillment comes with completion
• Excellent follow through
• Heavily rely upon body memory
• Desire & need to experience
• Enjoy staying busy
• Require activity to engage properly
Required for Success
• Plan of action
• Hands-on approach
• Adequate demonstration
• Alternative Projects
• Extracurricular activities
• Opportunities to demonstrate skills & techniques
• Time to practice
• Engagement with others
• Teamwork
• Rewards for accomplishments
