Tactile Learning Styles
Tactile learners make up about 30 percent of the population. This type of learner needs hands-on experience and engages physically with her environment. They are not incapable of learning by other means but are most comfortable and most successful when learning through tactile interaction.
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Tactile/Kinesthetic
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Learning styles can be grouped into three basic categories: visual, auditory and kinesthetic/tactile. The terms tactile and kinesthetic are often linked when discussing learning styles, but some consider them separate styles. Kinesthetic learners learn more through larger, whole-body movements, while tactile learners are more moderate, picking up details through fine motor movements and touch.
Characteristics
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Tactile learners often fidget with their hands and touch the people and things around them--this is not misbehavior or lack of focus but an attempt to explore and understand the world. They are physically motivated, and they may enjoy athletics and other tangible activities such as cooking and crafts. Tactile learners often act out frustrations in a physical way. They are not usually big readers and may sometimes have trouble learning to read.
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How They Learn
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A tactile learner picks up concepts through touch and movement. Information is best grasped through practice or imitation, and tactile learners may mistakenly be thought-challenged if material is not presented in a relatable manner. Tactile learners remember things that are done, rather than things that are seen or topics that are discussed. They also may seem to not hear or register comments. Manipulative and project-based education is successful with tactile learners.
Classroom Learning Methods
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Sitting close to the instructor and writing notes during lectures can be useful to tactile learners. Extra lab time and computer reinforcement can be advantageous, as can hands-on study and taking field trips related to the material being studied. Tactile learners may find it useful to hold learning materials such as books or notes in their hands while studying them.
Other Learning Methods
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Engaging the body while learning, such as gesturing, standing and role-playing, are good methods of learning, as are using music and models to enhance the learning experience. Association of information with specific visuals or feelings can also aid knowledge retention. Listening to information on tape while exercising or doing other physical activity is another helpful learning technique.
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