Not getting the same education?

Question

I am a freshman in high school and I am a kinesthetic learner. Which means I learn through moving, doing, and touching. I can't learn by listening to someone lecture or watching them do something. It is beginning to be very difficult to finish my homework. My teachers just don't do anything to target all of the different learning styles.

My parents just think I am making excuses and don't understand what my problem is. I ace my hands on classes like clay, metal, and science labs. It is starting to make me very frustrated with myself when I can't sit down and just do my homework.

I've gone half the year, but it keeps getting harder for me and I don't know if I will make it till May.

Is this my fault? How can I make my parents understand? How can I turn my homework into something fun that involves actually moving?

Answer 1

This is a tough question. You have a head start in that you already know what kind of learner you are. You may want to try talking to your teachers about ways to make your assignments more hands-on.

Unfortunately, it takes a lot of creativity to reach the kinesthetic learner through the typical high school curriculum. A vast majority of teachers are analytical thinkers/learners, but most of our students are not. It's not an excuse, but it is more difficult to play to the strengths of those who learn so differently from ourselves. I would suggest that you try to come up with some projects/assignments that appeal to your learning style and see if any of your teachers will let you go with them. Just be honest, say that you're having difficulty with this type of thing, and offer a possible alternative and see what they say. It may not be easy.

Other than that, you may also need to work on some coping strategies for 'regular' homework, like Doctor J's note-taking suggestions. If you are planning on going on to a traditional university, there will be plenty more lectures and demonstrations coming your way.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

You are in control of your learning. Just "transform" the teaching experience into a kinesthetic activity - e.g. by taking notes! Writing is very kinesthetic. So, write - notes, homework assignments, etc. You can also add artwork, color, etc. to your note-taking (use multi-colored pens!), assignments, etc.

If your teachers are not creative, YOU be creative.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 3

My daughter is very 'hands-on' and since I homeschool her, her learning is styled to her needs.

As for you: Someone suggested 'createing' artwork....how about taking it one step further and creating 'Dioramas' of the lesson: ex: history class (boring in and of itself)----take the lesson you are learning and 'recreate' the scene in 3D (if you are learning about the Civil War, create a Battlefield: Rennassaince---create a 3D Castle or village).
Do you see where I am going with this??? Take your hands-on approach and apply it to all your lessons (even if it's only for your benefit).
FYI: Origami works well for math (that's how my daughter is learning some of her fractions).

Doing it for yourself it doesn't have to be fancy, just so long as it helps YOU learn.

As for your parents, you might want to look up some articles or websites (just type it in the google bar and hit enter) and then print them out for them to read.

The schools are geared to teach 'ENMASS' meaning they only teach one-way to everyone regardless of the outcome...and your Teachers are so busy trying to make it through 7 periods and ???? many kids that they tend to forget that every child has their own style.

Good luck sweetie, hang in there.

Answer 4

You should get tested. Your school would qualify for the funds to teach you correctly.