Handwriting Boosts Learning in Students

In today’s digital age, more and more students are learning in environments where keyboards and touchscreens rule. The act of writing by hand has come second to typing, with many students choosing their computer over a notebook and pen simply due to ease and efficiency. However, a recent study by Frontiers in Psychology has shown that students who write by hand have better memory retention and deeper comprehension than students who only use tech.
The study examined brain activity in 36 university students as they wrote by hand using a digital pen and typed on a keyboard. According to Audrey van der Meer of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and co-author of the study, “We show that when writing by hand, brain connectivity patterns are far more elaborate than when typewriting on a keyboard.” These patterns are associated with memory formation and encoding new information, suggesting that handwriting promotes learning whereas typing lacks concrete memorization and recall.
Writing by hand involves a complex interplay of motor skills, visual processing, and cognitive functions. When students form letters on paper, they must carefully coordinate their hand movements with their thoughts. This process of encoding information through motor actions has been shown to enhance comprehension and conceptual understanding. Typing, on the other hand, is more mechanical and lacks true awareness or thought process.
In a world increasingly driven by technology, it’s easy to overlook the value of handwriting in education. Yet, research consistently proves that students learn better when they write by hand. By embracing the power of pen and paper, educators and parents can help foster deeper learning, stronger memory retention, and enhanced cognitive development in students of all ages.