Research to cite on kinesthetic learning, fidget objects, etc.

August 18, 2024 6:55 PM

I have to do a class presentation for work on some kind of learning/training topic, and I'd like to do one on how (a) some people do learn kinesthetically and (b) do better at learning, staying "still" through a lecture and concentrating better, while doing something with their hands--yarn, doodling, fidget object, whatever. What articles can I cite on this topic?

I'd especially like some evidence on how distracting your inner need to fidget/run around/do something by playing with an object helps you to focus on lectures. Stuff that fits with this: "Fidget toys allow the brain to engage in sensorimotor activity, which can channel hyperactive impulses constructively. Consequently, the brain frees up cognitive resources to concentrate on primary tasks more effectively." I found some phrase for this that I can't find now or remember, other than it got compared to something Freudian, but the Freudian example wasn't what I was looking for. The last time I took a Train the Trainer class (circa 2017) the teacher actually had baskets of fidget toys on her desk that people could use, so I'm looking for evidence to support that.

posted by jenfullmoon to Education (5 answers total)

Learning Styles/Preferences Among Medical Students: Kinesthetic Learner’s Multimodal Approach to Learning Anatomy [nih:]

Does crochet and clay modeling benefit students in learning anatomy? Does spatial awareness training affect anatomy learning in medical students? In the perspective of the “kinesthetic learners,” the answer is affirmative. Each approach has its own preparation. Crochet and clay modeling require 3-D mental image formation that takes into account form, shape, and position in relation to other structures. One makes the mental image by rotating the object to have the spatial orientation and then goes on to produce that mental image into a visual model that transforms into long-term concrete memory...

posted by HearHere at 9:36 PM on August 18 [2 favorites]

Not a research paper but it cites a few scientists:

Autism Fidget Toys Are More Than Just Fun: Strong Research Supports Their Use
posted by rabia.elizabeth at 2:00 AM on August 19 [1 favorite]

First, a warning: the idea that different people have distinct, fixed "learning styles" is generally regarded as a myth among education experts. Here's one roundup of the evidence and a discussion of the way belief in the myth can negatively affect learning.

But varied strategies to promote attention are still important! Here's an article on an experiment developing virtual fidget tools that has a nice list of references on the benefits of fidgeting for learning.
posted by yarntheory at 6:19 AM on August 19 [2 favorites]

seconding mindset's significance: rather than fixed 'style', it's important to emphasize growth [Carol Dweck (greatschoolpartnership.org)]

a good keyword may be 'strategy' [g scholar]
posted by HearHere at 6:19 PM on August 19

Response by poster: Thank you! My presentation went awesome. Let me know if you want a link to view it, anyone!

I especially loved the virtual fidget study, that cracked me up and was put to good use.
posted by jenfullmoon at 7:33 PM on August 23 [1 favorite]