Learning Styles Characteristics and Tutoring Tips

Tactile-Kinesthetic Learners

Characteristics

• Need to move in order to process information
• Notice differences in the shapes and textures of things they touch
• Enjoy hands-on activities
• Like to take things apart and put them back together
• Have a short attention span
• May be good at sports, dance or playing an instrument
• Like to use their hands
• Learn by doing
• Recall words after writing or typing them a few times

Learning strengths

• Enjoy using tools or lessons that involve active/practical participation
• Can remember how to do things after they've done them once (motor memory)
• Have good motor coordination
• Remember what they DO, what they experience with their hands or bodies through movement and touch

Tutoring tips

Tactile

• Allow learners to feel what they have to do by manipulating objects
• Use modelling clay
• Use scrapbooks, colouring books and workbooks
• Allow for artistic creations
• Make dioramas, sculptures, mobiles
• Do needlework
• Make posters and task cards
• Use blackboard activities
• Use letters made out of sandpaper and felt
• Use games
• Use calculators
• Do puzzles
• Make collections, displays, collages

Kinesthetic

• Have learners use the computer to type answers
• Act out stories
• Tap out syllables
• Use role-playing, pantomimes, charades, plays
• Allow for frequent breaks
• Do surveys or demonstrations
• Create products
• Make collages, dioramas
• Use body games
• Use three-dimensional objects
• Take field trips
• Be specific when you give directions
• Make a video
• Use puzzles and games
• Let learner doodle or fiddle with an object when listening
• Allow learner to rock and read
• Vary activities

Handout 3.4