1. Hands-On Learning By: Scott Moore “Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand” - Aristotle

2. 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.

3. 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

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

5. 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.

6. 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/

7. 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)

8. References Coffield, 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/