Kinesthetic Memory: the holy grail of training? Or just over-rated fashion?

Kinesthetic memory and learning styles are getting a lot of attention in the training world. We are promised that by integrating gesture into the learning process, we could revolutionize the way we learn. Some go so far as to say that there are “kinesthetic” learners, people who would assimilate better by manipulating. So, should we all start folding origami and giant Legos to boost our neurons? Let's take a closer look at what it really is.

Kinesthetic memory: what is it?

Kinesthetic memory, to simplify, is the memory of movement and gestures. It is undeniably crucial for certain professions where gesture is everything: imagine a surgeon, a conductor, a craftsman... or even a sushi chef! In these contexts, yes, it is vital to remember specific actions and to repeat them until perfect. And here, kinesthetic memory is irreplaceable. It is part of this “memory of gestures” which allows some professionals to execute movements with almost automatic precision.

But here it is: some people get the idea that this memory of gestures could reinforce other types of learning by using touch and movement to anchor abstract concepts in memory. For example, manipulating objects to “represent” an idea, or creating a “multisensory” connection by combining gestures and visualizations. In theory, it can be true: associating concepts with gestures could improve information retention by involving more neural circuits and by doubling the memory trace associated with the concept of a memory trace associated with gestures. Except that in practice... it is much less systematic, even downright hazardous as there are so many conditions for success to be met.

When (and how) to use it in training?

If one wishes to take advantage of kinesthetic memory in training, it is imperative to target specific learning where it can really make a difference. Concretely, it can be applied in two types of cases:

1. Learning concrete shapes or spaces

In fields such as geometry, molecular biology (protein structure), or logistics (warehouse layout), manipulating objects can help to better understand spatiality. In these contexts, touching, moving, and orienting tangible models makes it possible to better understand complex structures. For these “physical” learning, inviting learners to manipulate can be a plus. This is where kinesthetic memory comes into its own.

2. For other apprenticeships: not really of specific interest

For the majority of learning, kinesthetic memory has no added value of its own. Rather, the main benefit comes from the multisensoriality in general, that is, the possibility of using several senses at the same time to alleviate cognitive load. But you have to be honest: it is not necessarily necessary to add expensive and complex actions to obtain this effect! Audio-visual works just as well to activate this multisensoriality without going through the DIY box.

The Challenges (and Disappointments) of Kinesthetic Memory in Training

Although the idea is in fashion, the application of kinesthetic memory in training has several major obstacles:

1. Cost and complexity : designing training modules where each abstract concept is associated with a concrete manipulation is far from trivial. It is necessary to find relevant and formative actions for each concept, which requires in-depth expertise, resources, and a lot of time. Not obvious.
2. Not all actions are equal : a poorly thought out or clumsily chosen movement can confuse the mind more than it helps. Associate each concept with a specific gesture that really “speaks” to the brain? A real headache.
3. Limited effect compared to other learning strategies : in the majority of cases, research shows that physically manipulating objects does not necessarily provide more than other well-established approaches. Learning is often better stimulated by techniques such as trial and error and feedback, which reinforce cognitive action, which is much more lasting than the fleeting effect of a gesture.

The myth of learning styles: do we really need to adapt?

Kinesthetic memory is often associated with the famous “learning styles”, a tenacious idea that there are “kinesthetic learners”, visual, auditory, etc., who each need a corresponding format in order to learn effectively. This concept is what we call a neuromyth. Studies show that, regardless of the learning style preferred or not, everyone actually learns the same way with different types of content. While it is sometimes more pleasant to learn in a familiar format, this does not change learning performance in any way!

In summary, we can put this theory in the drawer of myths that are reassuring but not very productive. It is better to give preference proven learning methods that promote memory for all learners rather than getting lost in personalized adaptations that bring nothing more.

What really works: cognitive action and evidence-based methods

Rather than investing in random kinesthetic approaches, Didask relies on methods that have been proven more systematically to boost learning. Here are a few keys:

1. Optimized multisensoriality (without superfluous gestures) : at Didask, we use “multisensoriality” thoughtfully. Audio-visual is often more than enough for lighten cognitive load. There is no need to complicate things with hardware manipulations to achieve a similar effect.
2. Personalized adaptation through AI : rather than sticking to declared sensory preferences, our AI adjusts the courses according to more solid criteria: the initial level of the learner, the complexity of the content, the skills targeted, and the emotional load of the subject. By adapting the course continuously, we offer tailor-made and truly engaging learning.
3. Minimal involvement for maximum results : everything is designed so that learners do not have to bother with complex manipulations. Our AI manages cognitive load and the learning journey, leaving learners to focus on what matters most.
   ‍

Conclusion: Kinesthetic Memory, an interesting but overvalued idea

For some specific learning, kinesthetic memory may play a role. But the outsized enthusiasm around its potential for anything and everything is not justified. In the majority of cases, it is neither necessary nor the most effective method. It is better to turn to validated techniques, which facilitate learning without wasting time or resources in fiddly arrangements.

So, instead of manipulating objects in the hope that knowledge will magically take root, adopt approaches that get straight to the point, with cognitive action at the heart of the journey. The real key to effective learning is understanding, testing, adjusting, and moving forward—everything else is a bonus.

‍