kinesthetic learner

Specialties Educators

Published

how do you teach these type of studentst in theory?

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Same as you teach the auditory and visual learners. The kinethetic part is usually how the student studies best. For example, I have s strongly kinesthetic learner for a daughter. She studies while on the treadmill.

I meant more toward tactile interactive learners for conceptual content.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Obviously, there's no really good way to teach abstract concepts through tactile means. Just because a student learns best in one way does not mean that all learning MUST be tailored to their learning style. For example, you will run into students who are auditory learners. Are you going to read the text out loud to them- or not require them to do psychomotor skills?

I am a student in a nursing program and asked because I recently took a learning your style test and scored 40% tactile , 35% audio and 25% visual. As a major tactile learner I have been researching online new material to add to my studies and wanted to know if virtual patients simulations computer interactive were useful

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Ah, but with those numbers , you are NOT a 'major tactile learner'. You are actually very balanced by looking at how close the percentages are. Simulations are useful - but not tactile.

Yes, simulations are very useful for students who may not have a clue or step foot in a medical field. It will help the material stick better.

nursej22, MSN, RN

3,809 Posts

Specializes in Public Health, TB.

I identify as a kinesthetic learner and find that writing out the info works for me. If there is a lecture, I take notes, and then rewrite them or put them in a word document.

I loathe power points but some students seem to prefer them. When I use them I like to incorporate lots of pictures and embed videos, to mix things up. Small group work with models or creating teaching tools seems to be useful for some.

Thanks nursej22! Yes, writing helps me too. I like doing lots of questions and writing down rationales. That's what has helped me the most. In between doing questions, I like to look up lab values and diagnostic tests of what is abnormal and normal to further the facts in a textbook.

I did start reading about NCLEX and how questions are processed. I always wondered isn't their a core concept book about how nclex is tested. I have not tested for the boards yet, but it seems like nclex is that it seems like rote memorization and pattern recognition test on core concepts.

Yes, mannequins and anatomy models help a lot too. Especially when I read factual texts from the book such as touching a kidney model while learning about the kidney system or holding a baby mannequin as I learn about growth development in Pediatric class. I have a few classmates look at me silly lol but it somewhat helps information stick.

Specializes in Hospital medicine; NP precepting; staff education.

My husband hates to read but will listen to audio books. However, he has to engage in some activity for it to settle in his mind. Usually simply tapping his leg with his hand in an absent-minded rhythm works. He also converts those to audio files and listens as he walks in the park or exercises.

I did not realize there was a name for that.

I am more visual, I think. Once I see it and do it, I feel I know it better.

For example, I mimic the hand movements of the doctor suturing, but out of site of the patient, so I can get a feel for it.

My FNP mentor is going to give me a suture boot camp at her house. I'll bring the pork feet!

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

C'mon guys. There is NO actual evidence that "learning style" is actually a significant factor in educational outcomes. The only learner category that has shown to actually have an effect on learning outcomes is prior knowledge. However, I do realize that Kolb's model (just like Knowles) quickly gained momentum and created an enduring product line for entrepreneurs.

I encourage everyone to take a look at evidence-based references such as Efficiency in Learning: Evidence-Based Guidelines to Manage Cognitive Load by Clark et al. A golden oldie, but still a great reference (in its umpteenth edition) is McKeachie's Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research and Theory for College and University Teachers. For nurse educators, Stephen Brookfield's Teaching for Critical Thinking: Tools and Techniques to Help Students Question Their Assumptions should be a must-read.

llg, PhD, RN

13,469 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I teach the "learning style content" in our orientation program -- encouraging the orientees to be aware of what helps them learn and which types of activities they prefer. I also encourage them to share that information with their preceptors. But I also tell them that the "best" learners are those who can be flexible and use a variety of strategies. I encourage them to incorporate all types of learning into their educational efforts so that they can choose activities most appropriate for different types of content and circumstances.

For example, they aren't going to learn to start an IV without some physical practice (kinesthetic) -- reading the book won't do it alone, even if they are a visual learner. And even the most kinesthetic learner is going to have to read and listen sometimes.

Knowing your learning preferences is good -- but it's not as critical as some people seem to think.

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