If you’ve ever felt out of place in a meeting or classroom, being the only one taking notes by hand, you might actually be ahead of the curve. Learning new information can be challenging, but research into brain function has discovered that an old-fashioned technique can result in better information retention and comprehension: taking notes with a pen or pencil instead of using a keyboard.
According to a study at the University of Stavanger’s Reading Center in Norway, writing things down by hand provides different types of neural feedback compared to typing on a computer keyboard. When using a pen or pencil, the actions, sensations, and movements involved in writing stimulate the brain more than when typing on a keyboard.
A Range of Brain Locations Activated
Incorporating handwriting into learning experiences activates various parts of the brain that remain dormant when typing on a keyboard. As you imprint information on paper, the act of handwriting imprints new knowledge on a wider range of brain locations.
The increased motor memory brain activity during writing improves the ability to recall new data later. Think back to grade school when the teacher made you write spelling words on the chalkboard — this extra brain involvement not only helps develop motor skills but also enhances the learning process.
The Brain’s Natural Evolution
The slower process of handwriting aligns more closely with the way the brain and mind have evolved to learn. According to researcher Anne Mangen, “Our bodies are designed to interact with the world around us. We are living creatures, geared toward using physical objects — be it a book, a keyboard, or a pen — to perform certain tasks.” Handwriting provides a more tactile and immersive experience, allowing the brain to establish stronger neural connections.
Additional Benefits and More Effective Learning
Beyond improved retention and comprehension, taking notes by hand also aids in:
- Summarizing and paraphrasing: Handwriting forces you to prioritize information. Since most people cannot write faster than someone speaks or as fast as thoughts come to mind, they learn to summarize or paraphrase. These mental processes enhance understanding and create cognitive connections through mental reorganization.
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Filtering distractions: With computers and electronic devices, education becomes inundated with distractions. Emails, social media notifications, and the allure of open browser tabs can divert attention from learning. When using pen and paper, distractions are minimized, allowing for a more focused and uninterrupted learning experience.
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Strengthening the mind-brain connection: Neurologists and educators believe that engaging in the physical process of writing stimulates the brain differently than typing. Writing assists children with learning letters, shapes, and symbols better, as well as develops neuronal circuits that are essential for cognitive learning. Even for adults, handwriting provides a more profound mind-brain interaction, leading to increased understanding and retention.
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Improving focus: When taking notes on a computer, it can be tempting to multitask. The digital space encourages users to switch between pages, files, and windows, causing both a loss of focus and a decline in listening skills. Writing notes by hand helps maintain focus on the subject and the task at hand.
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Remembering more when reviewing: Since handwritten notes are generally less extensive and more summarized than typed notes, reviewing the material becomes more efficient. During the review process, the brain quickly recalls essential points made during the learning experience.
Embracing an old-fashioned learning style can vastly improve mental organization, focus, and understanding. Handwriting stimulates critical areas of the brain and is more aligned with our evolved learning processes than typing on a keyboard. As you consider adopting this practice, remember that your grade school teacher — with the chalkboard and handwriting assignments — knew exactly what they were doing to engrain knowledge in your brain. Despite the constant advancements of technology, don’t be afraid to pick up a pen or pencil and experience the benefits of handwriting for yourself.
