Psychological Development and Education ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (2): 295-304.doi: 10.16187/j.cnki.issn1001-4918.2026.02.15

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Graspable: The Promoting Effect of Tracing Gesture on Learning

KUANG Ziyi1, LENG Xiaoxue2, WANG Fuxing2, HU Xiangen2,3   

  1. 1. School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710061;
    2. School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079;
    3. Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hongkong 999077
  • Published:2026-03-14

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Abstract: Tracing gestures are defined as dynamic finger movements that correspond to the learning content. Previous studies have mainly explained the effectiveness of tracing gestures through embodied cognition theory, signaling principles, and cognitive load theory. This study found that tracing gestures significantly enhanced learners’ retention scores (d = 0.41) and transfer scores (d = 0.52) in terms of learning outcomes. Additionally, in terms of subjective experience, tracing gestures reduced learners’ perceived intrinsic cognitive load (d = 0.22) and increased learning motivation (d = 0.22). Future research should further explore the moderating factors of tracing gestures and verify their effectiveness within more objective methodologies.

Key words: tracing gesture, gesture, embodied cognition, signaling principle, cognitive load

CLC Number: 

  • B844
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