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Writer's pictureSheelagh Caygill

The power of pen and paper notes: tactile experience enhances learning


Writing notes with pen and paper
If you want the pleasure of a tactile experience, or need to remember what you're reading, taking notes with pen (or pencil) and paper is the way to go.

For most of us, screens dominate our daily lives. This means it's easy to overlook the value of the pen and paper, especially if you were born in the the internet age.


But as you may have heard by now, science has proven that reading from physical books or magazines and taking pen and paper notes boosts our ability to retain and process information.


Pen and paper notes result in stronger memory recall


Professor Kuniyoshi L. Sakai, a neuroscientist at the University of Tokyo and corresponding author of research published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, said: "Paper is more advanced and useful compared to electronic documents because paper contains more one-of-a-kind information for stronger memory recall."


The research studied Japanese university students and recent graduates. It was completed with collaborators from the NTT Data Institute of Management Consulting.


Contrary to the popular belief that digital tools increase efficiency, volunteers who used paper completed the note-taking task about 25% faster than those who used digital tablets or smartphones.

Although volunteers wrote by hand both with pen and paper or stylus and digital tablet, researchers say paper notebooks contain more complex spatial information than digital paper.


Physical paper allows for tangible permanence, irregular strokes, and uneven shape, like folded corners. In contrast, digital paper is uniform, has no fixed position when scrolling, and disappears when you close the app.

"Our take-home message is to use paper notebooks for information we need to learn or memorize," said Sakai.



Let's explore why these time-honored practices remain superior for many learners.


The tactile advantage of physical books


Reading from paper engages more of our senses, creating a richer, more immersive experience. The texture of pages, the weight of a book, and even the smell of paper all contribute to a multi-sensory encounter that helps embed information more deeply in our memory. This tactile interaction creates spatial and temporal markers in our minds, making it easier to recall where specific information is located within a text.


Reduced digital distractions


Notepads, physical books, and magazines don't unexpectedly produce notifications or pop-ups. And absent is the temptation to switch between multiple tabs. This distraction-free environment lets us develop deeper focus and concentration, leading to better comprehension and retention of the material.

The cognitive benefits of handwriting


When it comes to note-taking, the act of writing by hand offers distinct advantages over typing:


  • Improved memory retention: The physical act of writing engages motor skills and visual processing, creating stronger neural pathways and enhancing memory formation.


  • Better conceptual understanding: Handwriting forces us to summarize and paraphrase information in our own words, promoting a deeper understanding of the material.


  • Enhanced creativity: The slower pace of writing by hand allows more time for reflection and connection-making, fostering creative thinking and problem-solving skills.


The "generation effect" in action


Psychologists refer to the "generation effect" as the phenomenon where information is better remembered when it's actively created rather than passively consumed. Handwritten notes exemplify this effect, as the process of deciding what to write and how to phrase it engages higher-order thinking skills.


Reduced eye strain and better sleep


Reading from paper, especially before bedtime, can lead to better sleep quality compared to using electronic devices. The absence of blue light emission from paper materials helps maintain natural circadian rhythms, potentially improving overall cognitive function and learning capacity.


Embracing the vest of both worlds


While digital tools offer undeniable convenience and accessibility, the cognitive benefits of paper-based reading and note-taking are hard to ignore. As we navigate an increasingly digital world, incorporating these traditional methods into our learning routines can provide a valuable boost to our memory, comprehension, and overall educational experience.


We can optimize our learning potential and cultivate a deeper, more lasting understanding of the information we encounter when we embrace a balanced approach that combines the best of analog and digital.

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