Russell Conwell Center
Key to Academic Success
- Academic Planning
- Learning Styles
- Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence
- Body/Kinesthetic Intelligence
- Logical/Mathematical Intelligence
- Aural Learner
- Musical/Rhythmic Intelligence
- Models of Learning & Teaching Styles
- Interpersonal Intelligence & Aural
- Interpersonal Intelligence
- Visual/Spatial Intelligence
- Pathways To Learning
- Intra-personal Intelligence
- Math Problems
- NavigatingClassroomParticipation
- NoteTaking
- ReadingSkills
- TestTakingStrategies
- WritingPapers
Body/Kinesthetic Intelligence - Learning Style
This intelligence/style is related to physical movement and the knowing/wisdom of the body. It is the ability to use the physical body skillfully and to take in knowledge through bodily sensation, as well as including the brain's motor context, which controls bodily motion, in the learning process. Body/kinesthetic learners learn through moving, doing and touching - your intelligence is awakened through physical movement and the expression of yourself through the body. Students with this as a predominant learning style may become distracted and have a hard time sitting through lectures.
Study technique tips:
• Take frequent study breaks.
• Use a hands-on approach to actively explore the physical world around you.
• Draw and doodle while taking notes in class as a recall aid.
• Incorporate movement in the act of studying (study on a bike or while you pace, toss a ball while memorizing or reciting).
• Work in a standing position.
• Memorize or drill while walking or exercising.
• Chew gum while studying.
• Highlight your reading materials, with bright colors.
• Use lots of examples to reinforce information.
• Use case studies and applications to help with principles and abstract concepts.
• Create lists (a,b,c,d,1,2,3,4 etc.)
• Arrange your words into hierarchies and points.
• Translate what you are learning into note cards (something that an be touched).
• Decorate study space with visual stimuli such as posters, charts and graphics.
• Use the computer to reinforce learning through sense of touch.
• Move fingers under words while reading.
• Create "living sculptures" or models of your materials.
• Act out scripts of materials - pantomime.
• Create role-plays, charades, skits, and games.
• Use imitation and practice.
• Teach the information you learn to someone else.
• Have someone talk through the information to you while you are doing something active.
• Write exam answers and practice with multiple choice questions.
Adapted from:
Dr. Joyce Bishop, Seven Pathways of Learning 1994.
David Kolb's learning style and associated terminology are based on the works of John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, Jean Piaget, and JP Guilford. For more information see the following materials:
Kolb, David A. 1984. Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Smith, Donna M., and David A. Kolb. 1986. The Users Guide for the Learning-Style Inventory: A Manual for Teachers and Trainers. McBer and Company. Boston, MA.