The way we learn is evolving but, as Adele Trathan reports, research continues to highlight the benefits of traditional pen and paper note-taking over digital methods for students’ learning and retention
We are living through a phase of rapid technological innovation, where the methods and processes we held true for decades and centuries are now being questioned. Certainly, this reality is never more pertinent in the way we consume information, especially for educational means.
Yet a recently-published study of students across 10 countries that examined the tools by which we choose to learn, revealed a preferencefor the writing of notes, over the use of computers, laptops and digital tools.
The results demonstrated the positive impact on learning and knowledge retention that the physical act of writing provides. This preference was particularly noted in the challenges when students attempted to write mathematical and scientific formulas on computers.
The Times Higher Education magazine – formerly the Times Higher Education Supplement – says that despite the practical advantages of digital devices, such as ease of information search and correction, the tactile and cognitive engagement of handwriting offers distinct learning advantages.
Furthermore, the publication Science Daily noted University of Tokyo research showing that writing on paper can lead to more brain activity when recalling information an hour later compared to using digital devices. This suggests that the act of writing by hand may foster better memory retention and understanding of the material.
Supporting this, experiments by researchers at Princeton and UCLA found that students who took notes on laptops performed worse in understanding lecture content compared to those who used pen and paper.
The hypothesis is that typing notes can lead to a more verbatim recording of information without substantive processing, whereas handwriting requires summarising and condensing the material, thus engaging more deeply with the content.
ADVANTAGES OF PEN AND PAPER
Handwriting notes with pen and paper offers several practical advantages:
● The physical act of writing aids in the cognitive process of learning, helping to encode information into memory more effectively.
● Students can more easily personalise notes with symbols, drawings and annotations, aiding in comprehension and retention.
● Enhanced focus by reducing the distractions commonly associated with digital devices.
● Handwriting can be especially beneficial for complex subjects that involve formulas, diagrams, or spatial information.
ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS
Despite the benefits of handwriting, computers offer their own set of advantages for students:
● Digital notes can be easily edited, searched and organised, offering a level of flexibility and efficiency that is hard to achieve with paper notes.
● Access to online resources and information is instantaneous, enriching the learning experience with a wider range of materials.
● Typing can be faster for many people, allowing for more comprehensive notes in some cases.
● Finally, digital tools offer various ways to collaborate and share materials with peers and instructors.
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