Feel Sorry for Kinesthetic Learners

Peace be upon you and hello my dear readers.

Take a look at the picture above. 

What do you think about the child whom is arranging blocks following its order? 

Initially, it may look interesting as the child is sort of playing alone by arranging the blocks according to its color or  its broad base. But, let us think again. What is he actually trying to do? Does he learn something? How does he manage to arrange those blocks? These questions demand explanation!  

My dear readers, this is what people around do not really know about learning styles they possess in which it is very essential for students especially, thus, they will be able to figure out what kind of techniques suit their learning styles. People are different in most part of lives. And surely, we are different in learning too! That is why there are good and weak students in schools and higher institutions. 

Basically, the picture shown above represents one of the learning styles known as "Kinesthetic style", whilst another two styles are; 1)visual style & 2)auditory style. Since I was born as kinesthetic learner, allow me to elaborate more on the technique. Most probably people seem not too pay their attention to a group of people like me as though we are not having any problems. Yet, I would say that being a kinesthetic learner is likely a sufferer whom her predicament meets no end. 

Let me clarify what is actually being meant by kinesthetic learner. You, my lovely readers may take a look at notes below;

Kinesthetic learners typically learn best by doing. They are naturally good at physical activities like sports and dance. They enjoy learning through hands-on methods. They typically like how-to guides and action-adventure stories. They might pace while on the phone or take breaks from studying to get up and move around. Some kinesthetic learners seem fidgety, having a hard time sitting still in class.

(Melissa Kelly,2011)

Accordingly, a kinesthetic learner learns best by doing, for instance, manipulating items, stimulation and role plays methods that physically involve them in the learning process. Just like the child in the photo; he is figuring out himself how to arrange the blocks, so he can make a tall building whose stable enough. The child is applying all the theories which associate with stability of the blocks through practicality. Consequently, he will be more understand on how the theories work rather than paying attention to lectures in classes, yet, he gains nothing, by which, his presence is likely meaningless. Whenever this type of learners are not capable of comprehending what have been thought, they may fall asleep easily or start to shift their attention to other work.

zzzzzzzzzz...

Getting bored...

This is what Melissa Kelly meant by stating that kinesthetic learners having a hard time sitting still in class. It is not because they do not focus, but it is actually they have difficulties to understand something through lectures. They need to move, do some work, hands-on and etc. 

Seeing that our educational system is based on exam-oriented, which students have to listen to lectures and keep memorizing notes given, group of educators suppose to find the gateway of this quandary. Otherwise, kinesthetic learners do not have the opportunity to score better in their assignments, tests or examinations. It is kind of racist if such thing happens. Don't you think so? I have found out some to help them and they are;-

1. Provide students as many opportunities as your curriculum warrants to complete hands-on work.
2. Allow students to role play to gain further understanding of key concepts.
3. Provide students with the opportunity to work in a small discussion group as they study materials.
4. If possible, plan a field trip than can help reinforce key concepts.
5. Allow students to stretch partially through the class if they seem to become restless.

As a person who has experienced it much, I really feel sorry for them and myself too. But, there are still ways to cope. What can I say, do not ever give up as chances are everywhere. We are the only one who have to seek it, thus, we could reach the succeed. I do hope that educators will help kinesthetic learners fairly. They are humans, have feelings and thoughts. It just people who do not be aware of their dilemmas. They may look "blur", but when they have understood particular facts, they will be okay. I believe, it is hard to be explained, but, please do not ignore them. Plus, 

"When there is a will, there is a way."

In short, there must be solutions for it. =))

P/s: I may describe kinesthetic learners are likely disable learners, but actually, I really want
my readers understand by putting themselves in those kinesthetic learners' shoes. What will they feel and etc. They are suffering outside there if they are neglected. Think dear
readers...think...

With love,

nadzirahnoh229