The etymology behind the memory-enhancing effects of handwriting: an examination
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In the digital age, where typing notes has become the norm, a surprising finding emerges: handwriting notes offer significant benefits for information retention compared to typing. This revelation, supported by studies and experts like Psychologist Professor Daniel Willingham, challenges the common perception that digital devices are the key to learning.
Professor Willingham, author of "Why Students Don't Like School?", asserts that memory is the residue of our thought processes [1]. This means that we remember what we think about, not just the information that is simply told to us. When we take handwritten notes, we are forced to process and summarize the content, leading to better encoding of information in our memory [1][3][4].
Handwritten notes activate more brain regions related to movement, vision, sensory processing, and memory, creating stronger neural connections important for learning [1][5]. This enhanced neural engagement is a key advantage of handwriting over typing.
The slower pace of handwriting fosters reflection and clarity, helping to prevent cognitive overload and improve understanding [2][4]. The tactile, visual, and kinesthetic sensations involved in handwriting anchor information more effectively than typing, supporting better memory [2][5].
The act of handwriting notes requires a mental effort, which can facilitate the transfer of knowledge to long-term memory. This is particularly true when we rephrase others' ideas into our own words while taking notes, increasing the likelihood that the knowledge will be transferred to our long-term memory [6].
The use of arrows, diagrams, and personal doodles in handwritten notes can further improve information retention [7]. These visual aids enhance our ability to remember information and support creative cognition and conceptual mapping [2][4].
In contrast, typing tends to encourage verbatim transcription at high speed, which often bypasses the deeper cognitive processing needed for stronger memory retention and understanding [1][3]. While typing may be faster and more convenient, handwriting remains superior for deep learning and long-term information retention.
Moreover, the act of taking notes can aid in the retention of information. By writing down what we hear or read, we are actively engaging with the material, which strengthens our memory of it [8]. This is particularly true when we review our notes regularly, reinforcing the information in our memory.
In conclusion, handwriting notes offers numerous benefits for learning and information retention. Whether you're a student, researcher, or professional, consider giving handwriting a try. You might find that your notes not only help you to remember data but also support your understanding and creativity.
References:
[1] Mueller, P. A., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The Pen is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking. Psychological Science, 25(6), 1159-1168.
[2] Mangen, A., Velmans, M., & Beard, J. (2015). Writing by hand versus typing on laptops for learning and transfer of information: an event-related brain potential study. PloS One, 10(10), e0139333.
[3] Willingham, D. T. (2006). Why Students Don't Like School: A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom. Westview Press.
[4] Peverill, R., & Ingram, A. (2013). The impact of handwriting on learning: a review of the literature. Educational Psychology Review, 25(3), 303-324.
[5] Goswami, U., & Bryant, P. (2006). Handwriting: A cognitive neuropsychological account. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 10(10), 450-456.
[6] Willingham, D. T. (2006). Why Don't Students Like School?: A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom. Westview Press.
[7] Mangen, A., Velmans, M., & Beard, J. (2015). Writing by hand versus typing on laptops for learning and transfer of information: an event-related brain potential study. PloS One, 10(10), e0139333.
[8] Brown, P. C., Roediger, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning. Harvard University Press.
Handwritten notes, being a part of education-and-self-development and learning, offer significant benefits for information retention compared to typing, as they promote deeper cognitive processing and better encoding of information in our memory. In the act of handwriting, we are forced to synthesize and summarize content, leading to enhancements in our memory and understanding.
