If you’re a kinesthetic learner, you likely have trouble sitting still and engaging in lessons where you can’t engage your physical body. Kinesthetic learner likes to move! In this article we outline some top study tips for kinesthetic learners, so you can make sure your study sessions are tailored to the way you learn best.
1. Take regular active breaks
Kinesthetic learners struggle to stay still for long periods of time. Taking regular breaks is a CRUCIAL part of your study time, not to be taken lightly. Try studying for short periods of time (try 15-20 minutes with a key focus and goal). Set yourself a timer and once your time is up, get up and move. Try going for a quick run, or workout, but most importantly, move your body and exert yourself. When you return back to your study session, you’ll likely feel more energized and ready to lean into your work. Don’t be fooled into thinking that exercise will only make you more tired – THIS IS A MYTH. By engaging in physical activity, you will likely feel more energized due to better blood flow and the release of positive hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins.
2. Try an under-desk treadmill
If you have the cash to spare, try an under-desk treadmill. Underdesk treadmills allow you to keep moving while working. Most kinesthetic learners will enjoy under-desk treadmills because they can keep walking at their preferred pace while doing their work. Again, the blood flow and release of positive hormones is a great way to stay energized and focused while getting your work done!
3. Go for a run (with a podcast in your ear)
If you appreciate the activity, try going for a run while listening to a podcast or an audio track related to your topic of study. By keeping your body in motion, you’ll likely be able to focus better on the subject at hand.
4. Utilize extracurricular classes
Get involved in any extracurricular classes that will help deepen your knowledge but also allow you to move. Struggling to engage in English class? Try joining a drama class! English and drama have quite a bit of overlap, for example, in English, you may be learning about Shakespeare but struggle to focus just through reading, but in drama, you’ll have the opportunity to read the script, morph into one of the characters, move around the stage and get your body involved in the process. Try to find extracurricular classes where there are opportunities to get moving and learn more about the topics you’re struggling with.
5. Get hands-on learning experiences
If you have a great teacher, they’ll already be thinking about how you learn best and adapting their lessons accordingly, but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. If your teacher does give you lots of opportunities to apply theory to hands-on practicals, e.g. chemistry experiments, drama activities, role play, and other physical games that apply knowledge to physical activity, then try to engage in these activities as much as you can. However, if your teacher doesn’t give you many of these changes, try to create them on your own or as part of a study group. Try turning what you’ve learnt in class into something physical at home. Here are some examples of how you might do this:
- In English class, you learnt about dystopian societies. At home, you create your own dystopian society from an old cardboard box.
- In Math class, you learn about Pi. After school, you and your friends went onto the local football field and measured the circle in the centre to check the formula.
- In Science class, you learnt about pollutants in the environment. After school, you went on a walk to visit a national park to see how it may be impacted by pollution.
Remember that knowing the type of learner you are can be used to your advantage. You can’t often change how you are taught in school, but knowing how you learn best can help you to decide how you can get the most out of your learning. Try these tips and see if they help!
