“Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand”

- Aristotle

What is Hands-on Learning?

A teaching and learning style in which learning takes place by the student carrying out a physical activity, rather than listening to a lecture or watching a demonstration.

Coffield, F., Moseley, D., Hall, E., Ecclestone, K. (2004) It allows students to move from abstract

thinking, which is associated with more traditional methods, to dealing with the concrete.

Characteristics of a Hands-on Learner

Learn best by moving their bodies, activating their large or small muscles as they learn.

Kinesthetic learners work well with their hands. They may be good at repairing work, sculpting, art, or working with various tools.

Similar to kinesthetic learners.

http://www2.yk.psu.edu/learncenter/acskills/kinesthetic.html

Adjustments for Hands-on Learners

Do not require long periods of sit-down work.

After any physical activity, allow time to calm down.

Work requiring concentration should be completed in a place that is quiet and without distractions.

Show them exactly what is expected of them.

http://www.designastudy.com/teaching/tips-0398.html

How To Plan For Instruction With Hands-on Learners

Have children clap or tap out numbers and syllables.

Use sandpaper letters/felt letters, writing in sand or clay, 3-D materials.

Use as many manipulatives as possible. Supply concrete objects for counting,

sequencing, and establishing patterns.

Planning, continued

Give every opportunity to let them “jump in” and play with physical parts (if applicable) as soon as possible.

Keep lecturing to a minimum.

http://www.learning-styles-online.com/style/physical-bodily-kinesthetic/

Example

In a lesson regarding sentence structure the teacher directs the students to arrange cards representing the sentence parts across the classroom floor.

A traditional method would have been to have the students work at their tables, motionless, and instructed to use a pencil and paper to demonstrate understanding.

King, K. & Gurian, M. (2006)

ReferencesCoffield, F., Moseley, D., Hall, E., Ecclestone, K. (2004). Learning styles and

pedagogy in post-16 learning: a systematic and critical review. London: Learning & Skills Research Centre.

Kinesthetic learners: characteristics of kinesthetic learners. (n. d.). Retrieved November 15, 2009, from http://www2.yk.psu.edu/learncenter/acskills/kinesthetic.html

King, K. & Gurian, M. (2006) Teaching to the minds of boys. Educational Leadership, 56-61.

Stout, K. (1998). What to do with the hands-on learner? Retrieved November 15, 2009, from http://www.designastudy.com/teaching/tips-0398.html

The physical (bodily-kinesthetic) learning style. (n. d.). Retrieved November 14, 2009, from http://www.learning-styles-online.com/style/physical-bodily-kinesthetic/