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More research is confirming that taking handwritten notes improves learning. The discussion of this research appeared in https://www.newsweek.com/neuroscientists-reveal-trick-help-study-1863968.
Audrey van der Meer, a brain researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and co-author of the study told Newsweek that they were surprised to find that "differences in brain activity during handwriting and typewriting were so clear and prominent."
"We know that writing by hand is excellent brain stimulation for people of all ages. The careful forming of the required letters by hand is a fine sensorimotor skill that activates most of the brain," van der Meer told Newsweek. "When we write by hand, important neural networks are formed that promote learning and remembering. Many people believe that we have a brain to think or feel and are surprised to learn that the brain evolved mainly to control movement. Such widespread brain connectivity is known to be crucial for memory formation and for encoding new information and, therefore, is beneficial for learning."
From the Newsweek article:MidgetDwarf said:but I am interested to know if the same can be said about notes written using a stylus and tablet combination [ipad,surface pro, etc]
During the experiment, the students used a digital pen to form the letters. However, this did not affect the findings. The researchers believe it is the physical forming of letters that improves attention and recall in the brain, rather than the computer screen.
Audrey van der Meer
Did they show that? It seems that they showed that taking handwritten notes required more brain activity. This may be true, but a study showing students playing poker during a lecture might also well show increased brain activity. Not so sure about learning.gleem said:that taking handwritten notes improves learning
Handwritten notes improve learning by promoting deeper cognitive processing. The act of writing by hand requires more mental effort, which helps to encode information more effectively. This process encourages summarization and paraphrasing, leading to better retention and understanding of the material compared to typing, which can often be more mechanical and less engaging.
Handwriting activates different areas of the brain compared to typing. Research shows that it engages regions associated with memory and learning, such as the motor cortex, which is involved in the physical act of writing. This activation can enhance memory formation and retrieval, making handwritten notes more effective for long-term learning.
Yes, effective handwritten note-taking techniques include using outlines, bullet points, and visual aids like diagrams or mind maps. Additionally, incorporating personal annotations and summaries can help reinforce understanding. It’s also beneficial to review and revise notes shortly after the initial writing to strengthen memory retention.
Handwritten notes can be beneficial for most learners, but their effectiveness may vary based on individual learning styles. Kinesthetic learners, who thrive on physical interaction, often benefit the most from handwriting. However, visual and auditory learners can also gain advantages from the added cognitive engagement that handwritten notes provide.
Students can integrate handwritten notes into their study routines by setting aside dedicated time for note-taking during lectures or while reading. They can also create a habit of reviewing and rewriting their notes regularly. Additionally, combining handwritten notes with digital resources can provide a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of both methods.