The personal learning space of the kinesthetic
Let me show you my personal learning environment –
The room is the size of a small theatre space. When I enter, there are several rostra, which I have placed intuitively, creating various levels. I can arrange these easily myself, and I do as I feel so inclined, before I can articulate my reasons in any rational way. I make physical patterns to reflect and harmonise with my unconscious whims – like an artist. Like an artist, I manipulate the space.
I have placed a rostrum in the centre of the room. Actually, it’s just off centre because I didn’t measure anything, I just put it where I felt it should go (maybe because I am an ENFP, but that’s not important now). If the floor space was a photo, it would be to the upper left position, the strong point in visual composition.
I wear no shoes. My clothes are black. The room and the rostrum are black, but softly lit with yellow stage lighting. I lie down on the rostrum. It is made of wood, it is cool and comfortable. There’s a certain smell – maybe the anticipation of an audience, maybe the grease paint – it’s familiarity comforts me. I close my eyes and let go of the mundane reality in which I survive…
My breath is suddenly deep and I am propelled upwards into my real self. My hand brushes the audio control, and circus music erupts suddenly. The floor is soft with light dust and as I move to the touchscreen upper centre stage, I recall the wicked childhood feeling of cool feet getting filthy with play. I wonder where my learning will take me, and touch the screen for blue and white and suddenly a 360° circle of dancers surround me. I train with them. I’m playing at ballet, but it’s just a sort of warm-up for something else. Where will I go next? I wait to see.
