kinesthetic learner

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Aug 24, 2015

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.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Aug 24, 2015

I meant more toward tactile interactive learners for conceptual content.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Aug 24, 2015

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?

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Aug 25, 2015

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

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Aug 25, 2015

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.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Sep 5, 2015

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 · Sep 7, 2015

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.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Sep 7, 2015

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.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Sep 17, 2015

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 · Sep 17, 2015

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.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Sep 18, 2015

Yes, I agree. I am a kinesthetic learner secondary audio/visual so I am a well rounded. It just I am higher in tactile/kinesthetic. I did realize that when I am in clinical having to do a care plan on a patient and lectures helps a lot they're all big picture focused. If only pathophysiology/physiology classes in nursing school were taught in an integrated approach, I think nursing schools will have higher grades. First semester nursing students are trying to understand and adjust to this material and its difficult without any guidance.