Kinesthetic Learners During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Occupational Therapy Students’ Perspective on E-learning

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to understand the perspective of kinesthetic learners in an online learning environment. A Microsoft Forms survey was created and distributed to the sample population using the university electronic mailing list. If self-identified as kinesthetic learners, subjects were asked to participate in a semi-structured focus group. Twenty-six subjects responded to the survey, with 73% (n=19) identifying as kinesthetic learners. Quantitative results showed subjects felt most confident in content comprehension but less confident in clinical application. Qualitative data collection led to emergence of the following four themes—advantages, disadvantages, accommodations to e-learning, and external factors. The study suggested kinesthetic learners’ decreased confidence in comprehension and acknowledged making accommodations for effective learning. Students reported instructional improvements to facilitate e-learning. They suggested instructors can show more concern for well-being and provide academic support for clinical skills competence.