Characteristics of the
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner

• Learns best when physically engaged in a "hands on" activity
• In the classroom, benefits from a lab setting where he/she can manipulate materials to learn new information
• Learns best when he/she can be physically active in the learning environment
• Benefits from instructors who encourage in-class demonstrations, "hands on" student learning experiences, and fieldwork outside the classroom
• Bears down extremely hard with pencil or pen when writing
• Often enjoys working with tools
• Remembers best by writing things down several times
• Often plays with coins or keys in pockets
• May chew gum, smoke, or snack during studies
• Learns spelling by "finger spelling" the words
• Often is good at working and solving jigsaw puzzles and mazes
• Often doesn't like to read directions, would rather just do it
• Learns best when shown how to do something and then have the opportunity to do it
• Often prefers not to study at a desk
• Thinks better when given freedom to move around
• While trying to think of a specific word, uses hands a lot and calls something a "what-cha-ma-call-it" or a "thing-a-ma-jig"
• Often needs frequent breaks during studying
• Usually not skilled in giving verbal explanations or directions