Move beyond theory. Discover why doing, building, and physically engaging with a subject leads to deeper, more lasting learning.
Learn by doing. Explore the science of embodied learning and discover why physical action and engagement create deeper, more permanent knowledge.
Remember trying to understand a complex concept just by reading about it? Maybe it was a tricky maths problem, a new guitar chord, or even a nuanced historical event. You stared at the words; you even memorised them, but did they truly stick? Did it feel like you genuinely knew it, or just knew of it?
There’s a fundamental difference between intellectual understanding and a deeper, more rooted knowledge. This isn’t just about reading more; it’s about integrating the learning into your very being. It’s about moving from passive observation to active participation, letting your body become part of the learning process.
I’ve learnt this lesson countless times. I struggled to explain a new software feature until I sat down and used it.
I understood complex theories better after building a physical model.
This article isn’t just a nod to “learning by doing”. It deeply explores why it works. The exploration is backed by science and real-world examples. We’ll explore how physical action isn’t just an aid to learning but often the very pathway to truly cementing knowledge.
Key Takeaways:
- Mind-Body Connection: Our brains aren’t isolated; they learn best when our bodies are engaged.
- Beyond Memorisation: Embodied learning moves knowledge from short-term recall to long-term, intuitive understanding.
- Practical Application: Hands-on experience helps us connect abstract concepts to tangible reality.
- Boosted Retention: Physically doing something creates stronger memory traces and recall.
- Real-World Skills: It’s the fastest way to develop practical skills that matter.
The Invisible Bridge: Connecting Thoughts and Action
We believed for a long time that learning was a purely cognitive exercise. It was something that happened entirely within the confines of our skulls.
We sat in classrooms, read books, and listened to lectures. The body was just a vessel, a convenient way to transport our brains to the learning location.
But this idea misses a significant part of the picture. Our brains and bodies are intimately connected, forming a feedback loop that constantly informs our understanding of the world.
Think about how a baby learns.
They don’t read a manual on gravity; they drop toys, crawl, stumble, and fall. They experience the world through touch, movement, and interaction.
This isn’t just play; it’s embodied learning in its purest form. They’re building a physical understanding of how the world works, brick by brick, movement by movement.
What if we never lost that primal connection to learning?
When we physically engage with a topic, we’re activating more parts of our brain. It’s like turning on extra lights in a dimly lit room. Sensory information—touch, sight, sound, and even smell—is integrated with cognitive processes.
This data creates a more robust and resilient memory. The next step is crucial for truly understanding this powerful process.
Why “Doing” Beats “Knowing About” Every Time
Have you ever tried to learn a new language by only studying grammar rules? Have you ever attempted to become a chef solely through the study of cookbooks?
You collect a lot of data, but true fluency and skill stay elusive.
The real magic happens when you speak the language, make mistakes, and taste your culinary creations.
Your experience is the heart of embodied learning.
It’s not enough to know how a bike works; you need to ride it. You feel the balance shift, the pedals push, and the wind on your face.
That sensory information—those motor commands—is intertwined with theoretical understanding. Suddenly, “balance” isn’t just a word; it’s a feeling, a constant subtle adjustment your body makes.
Science calls it “kinaesthetic learning”, and it’s particularly powerful for skill acquisition.
Your brain lays down neural pathways when you practise an instrument. It does the same when you build a piece of furniture or tie a complicated knot. These pathways are far stronger than those formed by passive observation. These pathways don’t just store information; they store how to do something.
This technique makes a significant difference when you need to recall information under pressure.
The Science Behind the Stickiness
Our brains are essentially prediction machines. They constantly try to predict what will happen next based on past experiences.
When we engage in embodied learning, we’re feeding these prediction machines with real-time, multi-sensory data. This creates a much richer, more detailed “prediction model” of the world.
Studies have shown that students who act out a scientific concept recall the information better. For instance, they carry this out better when they show a concept like the movement of tectonic plates.
This is in contrast to those who just read about it.
The physical action becomes a mnemonic device, a living memory cue. Our bodies literally “remember” the information. This strategy is logical.
Consider how our early ancestors survived by actively interacting with their environment. They did not survive just by contemplating it.
It’s also about feedback.
When you’re actively doing something, you get immediate feedback.
Did the object balance? Did the code run? Did the experiment yield the expected result?
This rapid cycle of action-feedback-adjustment is a supercharger for learning. It allows for quick course correction and deepens your understanding of cause and effect.
And while the physical acts are important, the feeling of doing them is where knowledge truly integrates.
Bridging the Gap: From Abstract to Tangible
Many of the most profound concepts we grapple with are abstract: justice, democracy, love, and scientific principles. How do we make these ideas feel real, something we can grasp? Embodied learning offers a powerful bridge.
Consider a child learning about fractions. When a child physically cuts an apple into halves, they see the division firsthand. Then they cut it into quarters. They notice the relationship between the pieces.
This experience truly resonates with them.
They transform the abstract concept of “one half” into a tangible slice in their hands.
Imagine an architect who builds a scale model of a building. The model isn’t just an illustration. It’s a way for them to physically explore spatial relationships, light, and flow.
This exploration happens in a way that two-dimensional blueprints can’t capture.
This process helps us move beyond surface-level comprehension. It turns a concept from something we contemplate to something we feel and experience.
It becomes part of our personal narrative, uniquely understood through our own physical interactions.
The true potential lies in how we apply this understanding to new, unexplored territories.
Practical Ways to Embrace Embodied Learning
So, how do we bring more embodied learning into our lives, beyond just riding bikes or building models?
- Sketching and Doodling: When you’re trying to understand a complex system or process, don’t just read. Grab a pen and paper. Draw diagrams, flowcharts, or even silly cartoons that represent the ideas. The act of physically creating these images helps your brain organise and store information.
- Teaching and Explaining: The best way to learn something is to teach it. When you have to explain a concept to someone, you’re forced to internalise it. You must simplify it. Often, you will need to show it. Use gestures, analogies, and even physical props to make your explanation tangible.
- Role-Playing and Simulation: If you’re learning about negotiation, practise it with a friend. If it’s a historical event, consider “walking through” what happened. Simulations allow you to physically and emotionally engage with scenarios, building empathy and practical understanding.
- Hands-On Experimentation: This one seems obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Whether it’s coding, cooking, gardening, or a DIY project, get your hands dirty. Consider not only reading about how to fix a leaky faucet but also attempting to repair it yourself. The failures and successes will teach you far more than any manual.
- Movement and Spatialisation: If you’re memorising a speech, try walking around while you practise. Assign different sections of your text to different parts of a room. Our brains are incredibly adept at spatial memory, and by linking information to physical locations, you create powerful recall cues.
These approaches aren’t just for kids; they’re for anyone who wants to learn more deeply and effectively. They tap into our innate human capacity to learn through interaction with the world around us.
Wrapping Up
Embodied learning reminds us that we are not just minds; we are whole, integrated beings.
When we bring our bodies into the learning process, we unlock a richer understanding. This happens through movement, creation, and direct experience.
This isn’t just about absorbing information. It’s about making it truly ours. We transform abstract ideas into tangible, deeply rooted knowledge that stays with us.
🌱 Embodied Learning and Growthenticity: A Deeper Connection
The core ideas explored in this article aren’t just isolated concepts; they deeply resonate with the principles of what I call ‘Growthenticity’:
“The continuous, integrated process of becoming more oneself (authentic) through leading with questions, learning through action, and growing by embracing uncertainty and imperfection, all fuelled by curiosity.”
Embodied learning is a prime example of Growthenticity in action. It directly embodies the principle of “learning through action”, moving us beyond theoretical understanding to genuine experience.
By engaging our bodies, we naturally “embrace uncertainty and imperfection”.
Physical attempts often involve trial, error, and adjustment. This process is how real growth happens.
This active engagement also fuels curiosity by making learning more personal. It stimulates our wish to explore and understand through direct interaction.
Integrating mind and body in learning helps us “become more oneself (authentic).” It builds knowledge that is deeply felt and uniquely owned.
👉I encourage you to check out my paid Substack offerings at Lead, Learn, Grow. You can further explore concepts like ‘Growthenticity.’ You will also gain access to practical tools and connect with a supportive community. This community focuses on fostering authentic and impactful growth.
Join us as we unpack these ideas and support each other on our journeys.
🌱Learn more about me and what I offer my free and paid Substack subscribers.🌱
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Your Turn:
What’s an example of a time when physically doing something helped you truly understand a concept? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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