(Updated) Kinesthetic Learning: Statistics, Facts and Trends You Need to Know in 2025!

Kinesthetic learning is a learning style which involves physical activity such as building, moving or touching to acquire new information.

Kinesthetic learners prefer using their bodies to learn because it helps them memorize better.

Is kinesthetic learning effective?

What percentage of the population are kinesthetic learners? Is kinesthetic learning better than other major methods of absorbing information?

My updated kinesthetic learning statistics guide for 2025 has everything you should know.

Use this link to quickly jump to the KEY STATS section.

All the references and resources I used in crafting my guide are listed at the bottom of the page.

Jump here: Key Kinesthetic Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year| Kinesthetic Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year (Detailed Info)

Key Kinesthetic Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year

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Kinesthetic Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year (Detailed Info)

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How Does the Proportion of Kinesthetic Learners Compare to Visual and Auditory Learners?

Kinesthetic learners add up to just 5% of the global population. The remaining 95% are divided between visual (65%) and auditory (30%) learners. (Source)

Interestingly, there are more kinesthetic learners in the student population than in the general one. A recent nation-wide survey showed that 15-20% of students are primarily kinesthetic learners. (Source)

There are more kinesthetic learners in the student population than in the general one. A recent nation-wide survey showed that 15-20% of students are primarily kinesthetic learners. #statistics #kinestheticlearning Share on X

Does Kinaesthetic Learning Improve Student Engagement, Information Retention, Memorization and Problem-Solving Skills?

Incorporating kinesthetic elements increases student engagement by up to 40% More engagement means better focus, retention and memorization. (Source)

One recent study showed kinesthetic learning improves information retention by up to 75%. The same study showed showed kinesthetic learning method improves problem-solving skills by up to 25% in some (but not all) students. (Source)

Kinesthetic learning method also improves memory recall by up to 30% compared to passive learning techniques. (Source)

What Effect Does Kinesthetic Learning Have on Brain Hemisphere Activation?

Kinesthetic learning activates both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously.

80% of kinesthetic learners have above-average physical coordination and they typically score 15-20% higher on hands-on assessments compared to traditional tests and compared to predominantly visual (multimedia learning) and auditory learners. (Source)

Kinesthetic learners also feel uncomfortable when they have to learn in different ways than they’re used to. 65% of kinesthetic learners report feeling restless or unfocused in traditional lecture-style classes. (Source)

Are Kinesthetic Learners More or Less Likely to Choose Careers Involving Physical Activity or Hands-On Work?

Kinesthetic learners are 30% more likely to pursue careers in fields like sports, dance, or surgery. (Source)

Even as students, kinesthetic learners are 25% more likely to participate in extracurricular sports or purely physical activities. They’re also 20% more likely to pursue hands-on vocational training programs after high school. (Source)

Kinesthetic learners also prefer working in groups to working solo. A recent case study (linked in the footer of my stats page) showed that 70% of kinesthetic learners prefer group work over individual assignments. (Source)

It’s obvious that most kinesthetically intelligent people also have high social intelligence with a penchant for learning in social settings.

What Percentage of Kinesthetic Learners Find Physical Modeling Helpful for Understanding Abstract Concepts?

85% of kinesthetic learners report better understanding of abstract concepts when physically modeled. (Source)

Sometimes physical modeling isn’t possible in a strict classroom setting and this hurts kinesthetic learner’s performance. It also damages the performance of the teacher or professor who can’t pass on their knowledge effectively.

Recent survey (which I link at the bottom of my stats page) showed that 60% of teachers reported difficulty accommodating kinesthetic learners in traditional classroom settings. (Source)

Additionally, 75% of kinesthetic learners report preferring project-based-learning over traditional homework assignments. But oftentimes typical homework is all they can get as their teacher hasn’t prepared any project-based homework specifically for them. (Source)

Here’s another stat that shows the value of hands on approach for kinesthetic learners. A whopping 90% of them report better understanding of scientific concepts when conducting experiments. (Source)

Do Kinesthetic Learners Spend More or Less Time on Tasks Involving Physical Activity or Manipulation?

Kinesthetic learners typically spend 30% more time on tasks that involve physical manipulation or movement. (Source)

This is because moving requires more energy expenditure than sitting so kinesthetic learners are forced to make more frequent breaks. However, frequent breaks are very good for their focus and engagement.

One recent study showed that incorporating movement breaks increases attention span in kinesthetic learners by up to 45%. (Source)

This attention boosting method worked even for Gen Alpha kids who have notoriously short attention spans.

What Proportion of Kinesthetic Learners Face Difficulties with Online or Distance Learning Approaches?

55% of kinesthetic learners report struggling with online or distance learning formats. This means that kinesthetic learners are not suitable for corporate training and education as nowadays most of it is done online rather than in person. (Source)

Another stat that proves my point is that 80% of kinesthetic learners report higher job satisfaction in careers that involve physical activity or hands-on work. Exactly the opposite of sitting in a cubicle and typing all day on a computer. (Source)

80% of kinesthetic learners report higher job satisfaction in careers that involve physical activity or hands-on work. Exactly the opposite of sitting in a cubicle and typing all day on a computer. #HandsOnLearning #ActiveEducation Share on X

By What Percentage can Kinesthetic Learning Techniques Potentially Decrease Behavioral Problems in Classrooms?

Kinesthetic learning techniques have been shown to reduce behavioral issues in classrooms by up to 35%. (Source)

The kids get tired from all that physical activity and don’t have the energy to cause any more troubles.

Kinesthetic Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends 2025 FAQ

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What is Kinesthetic Learning? What is it’s Meaning and Definition?

Definition: Kinesthetic learning is a learning style that involves physical activity such as touching, moving, or building to acquire new information.

The word “kinesthetic” comes from the Greek words “kinisis” (movement) and “aisthisis” (feeling). This word was first recorded in English in the late 1870s.

Why is Kinesthetic Learning Important?

Kinesthetic learning is important because 5% of the global population identify themselves as kinesthetic learners. These people learn best kinesthetically and that’s why kinesthetic learning method (and strategies) is important.

How Does Kinesthetic Learning Help Students? What are the Benefits?

Kinesthetics learning helps students who’re kinesthetic learners acquire knowledge better. It’s as simple as that and that’s the major benefit.

Now, kinesthetic learning method can be detrimental as well if auditory and visual learners (read my visual learning statistics guide here) are forced to learn in ways not suitable to them.

Kinesthetic learning style is also far from ideal for verbal learners, logical learners, intrapersonal learners and interpersonal learners as well.

How to Improve and Enhance Kinesthetic Learning Style? (Examples, Strategies and Learning Styles)

Note: the below tips apply to adult learners, kinesthetic students, children trying to learn something new, and also literally anyone who want to improve their kinesthetic learning ability.

Here are some ways you as a learner can improve and enhance your personal kinesthetic learning style:

• Use your body– Use your body to help you focus and learn better. You can pace, tap your foot on the ground or chew gum. You can also try standing by your desk instead of sitting by it as standing is more active while sitting is more passive. Standing is also better for your health, especially if you work long hours.
• Use your hands– Use your hands to help you learn, such as by drawing, writing with your finger in the air, or using physical manipulatives.
• Use real-world examples– Use real-world examples to help you understand abstract concepts.
• Use active study methods– Use active study methods to help you  memorize, retain information long term and minimize learning loss. You can summarize your notes, create flashcards and mind maps or do some role-playing.
• Change your environment– Change your learning location or break up long lessons into smaller chunks. Microlearning works wonders here, even for a kinesthetic learner like you.
• Take breaks– Take frequent breaks and move around during your breaks. This will get the blood flowing (including to your brain) and you’ll memorize more of what you learned.
• Use animations– Use animations to help you learn, such as by clicking on different components of a device to see what they do.
• Practice– Practice what you have learned, and explore new methods to ensure you thoroughly learn and remember information. Try combining kinesthetic with visual and auditory learning methods. Try using educational technology devices and apps to further enhance your knowledge and skills.

How can Kinesthetic Learning be Implemented in the Classroom? (Examples, Strategies and Techniques)

Here are some examples of kinesthetic learning strategies and techniques you can use in your classroom.

• Hands-on activities: let your students experiment, build, measure, and jump. This helps them learn from mistakes and understand the gap between theory and practice. Also encourage arts and crafts.
• Science experiments: Use science experiments to help your students process information through their tactile sense. Get them to try things out and learn from their mistakes.
• Field trips: take students outside of school for a day to give them immersive experiences.
• Movement: allow students to stand or move while learning. Movement helps students use both sides of their brain and anchor their thoughts. Movement is also beneficial to the body, especially compared to sitting still all day long.
• Flashcards and note taking: use flashcards in playful ways to engage young learners. Encourage students to take notes during class to help them retain information.
• Real-life objects: teach with real-life objects and explain how they relate to the learning material at hand.
• Animated teaching: Use lots of energy, sing, dance, and be animated in your teaching method. Obviously, do this only if your pupils are toddlers and small children. Don’t do it too much with elementary school children because they’ll stop taking you seriously.

What is the Theory Behind Kinesthetic Learning? Is it a Myth?

The theory behind kinesthetic learning is that (some) people learn best when they physically manipulate something or practice what they learn.

That’s the theory and it’s worth noting that there’s currently no scientific consensus that kinesthetic learning even exists.

Plenty of reputable scientists from the educational psychology field consider kinesthetic learning a myth and a widespread confirmation bias. People who think they’re kinesthetic learners will do better with hands-on, experiential learning and do markedly worse with visual learning and auditory learning.

Because they expect to do worse with the latter two learning methods.

What are Some Jobs and Careers Good for Kinesthetic Learners?

Jobs and careers good for kinesthetic learners are those where there’s a lot of movement and hand work involved.

Some of these jobs are:

• Physical therapist;
• Surgeon;
• Mechanic;
• Chef;
• Firefighter;
• Professional athlete;
• Dance instructor;
• Carpenter;
• Massage therapist;
• Electrician;
• Farmer;
• Sculptor.

This list of jobs and careers for kinesthetic learners isn’t exhaustive.

What are the Characteristics of Kinesthetic Learners?

Kinesthetic learners are people who learn best through physical activity and hands-on experiences.

Here are the typical characteristics of kinesthetic learners:

• Movement: kinesthetic learners have a hard time sitting still and do a lot of fidgeting when supposed to sit still. They also like to talk with their hands or use expressive body language.
• Physical coordination: kinesthetic learners have good hand-eye coordination and quick reactions. They also have excellent physical memory.
• Interaction: They enjoy collaborative activities, peer tutoring, and other interactive exercises.
• Construction and curiosity: kinesthetic learners enjoy taking objects apart and rebuilding them to examine how they work.
• Study breaks: they need frequent study breaks to keep focus.
• Social skills: they have excellent social skills which they got through kinaesthetic activities (these activities usually involve interacting with other people).

This list of kinesthetic learner characteristics isn’t exhaustive.

What is Kinesthetic Memory?

Kinesthetic memory is the ability to remember information through physical movement or sensations. It’s a learning style that involves using the body to process new information. For example, footballer with 10 years of experience will always remember how to dribble as soon as he touches the ball.

A tennis player needs only to grasp the handle of the racquet to remember how to hit another ace.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Kinesthetic Learning Style?

Advantages of a kinesthetic learning style are enhanced muscle memory, improved problem-solving skills through hands-on engagement, increased student engagement due to active learning, and better development of physical coordination/

The disadvantages of kinesthetic learning are difficulty sitting still for long periods, potential distractions from movement, and struggles in traditional classroom settings that rely heavily on lectures and passive learning.

Kinesthetic Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025 (Conclusion)

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My updated guide for 2025 lists the best and latest statistics, facts and trends about kinesthetic learning and how to best take advantage of it.

I hope you enjoyed it because the guide is now over.

Read these resources next:

References:

• Kinesthetic Learning Style: Definition, Characteristics & Benefits in 2025- https://www.simplek12.com/learning-theories-strategies/kinesthetic-learning-style/
• Kinesthetic Learning Style- https://www.houghton.edu/undergraduate/student-life/student-success/academic-support-and-accessibility/study-skills/general/kinesthetic-learning-style/
• What Is A Kinesthetic Learner?- https://bau.edu/blog/what-is-a-kinesthetic-learner/
• Why Kinesthetic Learning?- https://nationalmathfoundation.org/curriculum-research/
• Learning Styles: Kinaesthetic Learner Characteristics – Engage Education |- https://engage-education.com/us/blog/learning-styles-kinaesthetic-learner-characteristics/
• Kinesthetic learning- https://tophat.com/glossary/k/kinesthetic-learning/
• Kinesthetic learning- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinesthetic_learning
• The Kinesthetic Learning Style: Traits and Study Strategies- https://www.thoughtco.com/the-kinesthetic-learning-style-3212046
• Kinesthetic Learning Style- https://www.time4learning.com/learning-styles/kinesthetic-tactile.html
• CMV: Nobody is visual/auditory learner, everyone is a kinesthetic learner. https://www.reddit.com/r/changemyview/comments/udxu8h/cmv_nobody_is_visualauditory_learner_everyone_is/
• What Is Kinesthetic Learning?- https://alexandertutoring.com/tutoring-resource-guide/what-is-kinesthetic-learning/
• As a kinesthetic learner, how can I absorb academic articles? I try to read them and audio listen but I get so bored and I won’t be able to understand what I have just read or listened.- https://www.quora.com/As-a-kinesthetic-learner-how-can-I-absorb-academic-articles-I-try-to-read-them-and-audio-listen-but-I-get-so-bored-and-I-won-t-be-able-to-understand-what-I-have-just-read-or-listened
• Kinesthetic Learning in the Workplace- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/kinesthetic-learning
• STRATEGIES FOR KINESTHETIC LEARNERS- https://www.uc.edu/content/dam/uc/aess/docs/LACResources/Strategies%20for%20Kinesthetic%20Learners_6_25_2012.pdf
• Kinaesthetic Learning- https://www.structural-learning.com/post/kinaesthetic-learning
• Tactile/Kinesthetic Learning-  https://scholarwithin.com/tactile-kinesthetic-learning
• Kinesthetic Learning: Definition & Ideas- https://www.joinprisma.com/blog/what-is-a-kinesthetic-learner
• Kinesthetic Strategies- https://vark-learn.com/strategies/kinesthetic-strategies/
• What Is Kinesthetic Learning?- https://multisori.com/blogs/getting-started-with-montessori/kinesthetic-learning
• 16 Characteristics of Kinesthetic and Tactile Learners and Tactile Learning- https://child1st.com/blogs/resources/113559047-16-characteristics-of-kinesthetic-and-tactile-learners
• Language Learning Strategies for Kinesthetic Learners- https://www.reddit.com/r/languagelearning/comments/xa172c/language_learning_strategies_for_kinesthetic/
• Roundup on Research: The myth of “learning styles”- https://onlineteaching.umich.edu/articles/the-myth-of-learning-styles/
• Kinesthetic Learning in the Classroom- https://studyright.net/blog/kinesthetic-learning-in-the-classroom/
• 7 Study Techniques for Kinesthetic Learners- https://tutordoctor.com.au/blog/study-techniques-for-kinesthetic-learners/
• Tactile-Kinesthetic Learning- https://scholarwithin.com/tactile-kinesthetic-learning