Tactile Learning

I love building spaces: architecture, furniture, all of it, probably more than fashion. The development procedure is more tactile. It's about space and form and it's something you can share with other people. - Donna Karan

Learning is probably the most important part of the lives of children. It is a natural process wherein a person gets to know many things. It is said that experience is the best teacher; both for children and grown ups. A similar concept that relates to the above belief is tactile learning. This is a learning method that is most efficient in making children understand clearly.

In a broad category of learning methods; visual, auditory and tactile are the most prominent ones. Visual learning relates to understanding by watching or observing carefully, auditory learning means understanding by means of listening, and tactile learning pertains to understanding by doing things practically. Though this is said to be most effective, visual and auditory learning techniques also contribute to it greatly.

Tactile Learning Style

As mentioned above, tactile learning is related to experiencing things first and then understanding them. Another name given to this type of learning is kinesthetic listening. Children who are good learners by doing or experimenting are known as tactile learners. These learners are more active than other learners. They involve physical activities in their everyday learning, from which they learn more than from theoretical means.

Good motor skills and hand-eye coordination are two of the best determining factors of these 'do-ers'. They are usually good at sports, martial arts, plays, dancing, and other extra-curricular activities. On the other hand, they might not do so well in reading and listening activities such as listening to lectures and going through books. Tactile learners also cannot sit at one place for long.

Tactile Learning Activities

There are many day-to-day activities which can be used in this type of learning. Tactile learners should be allowed to make charts and drawings instead of writing notes about the lectures. This will certainly help them understand better. For effective learning, they can even use a computer. Role playing is another suitable method for these type of hands-on learners. In science subjects, along with theories, they should be made to understand using lab experiments.

Skits and school plays are appropriate choices for helping students to understand social skills. The study sessions for tactile learners should be short, as these students tend to get bored more quickly as compared to others. Making models and using music in their learning are also good methods. Field trips relating to the subject truly contribute to enhanced understanding in tactile learners. Informal learning techniques consist of singing, dancing, group games, drawing, painting, and using multimedia.

Remember that these are not learning disabilities that a child possesses but just another way of grasping information. A point to note is that along with all the above mentioned hands-on activities, reading books and listening to lectures also play a very crucial role.