Taking notes using a keyboard instead of longhand has become the norm. However, while using a keyboard is quick and easy, learning psychology research shows that note-taking on a laptop is less effective for dexterity and dexterity. memory rather than taking longhand notes. Taking notes by hand is also important because it has lifelong benefits for aging as well as academic and performance outcomes. Manual note-taking and keyboarding are areas worth learning for long-term benefits.
In researching the differences, I found a number of studies (see references below) that concluded that students who took notes on a laptop did worse than students who took longhand notes on conceptual questions.
Keynote takers tend to transcribe lectures and other information verbatim instead of manually processing the information and processing the information in their own words. Keyboard notes are less effective in learning than handwritten notes. In summary, note taking on a laptop takes the speech directly from the speaker to the computer without much analysis going through the note taker’s head. Handwritten notes require and stimulate more productive thinking. So let’s find out what it means.
Research on the psychology of handwriting suggests that:
Handwriting enhances memory – Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies show that when students write words by hand compared to typing, the brain’s semantic processing improves, word learning improves, and memory improves.
Handwriting activates wider brain networks – FMRI studies show that handwriting activates brain regions involved in reading acquisition, while typing does so less.
Handwriting supports higher order thinking — Students who write notes by hand engage more in conceptual processing, information selection, and synthesis than in verbatim writing. This leads to improved long-term comprehension, memory and learning.
My personal experience and conclusions are that handwriting requires deeper cognitive processing, more efficient use of memory, and is a more psychomotor process than using a keyboard. Therefore, handwritten notes are more memorable, leading to enhanced recall and learning. In addition, the use of fine motor skills is necessary to learn and retain all of the exercises nervous networks in the brain. This is especially important in aging, as handwriting tends to decline with age, and note-taking offers physical opportunities. therapy to cure decline. Handwriting itself is a complex cognitive and motor skill that results from brain activation and exercise as well as physical capabilities.
Research shows that handwriting is a key practice in supporting lifelong learning, with most schools no longer teaching cursive writing. Yet we know that cursive writing is key to handwriting development and that handwriting promotes lifelong learning and acts as therapy for brain and psychomotor fitness. In my opinion, note taking along with cursive writing should be revived in our education system because of its advantages. I believe that cursive writing opportunities, workshops, and courses should be offered in elementary, middle, and high schools. education degrees. It’s never too late to achieve some level of improvement.
Continued use of handwriting is key to better learning and is an effective physical therapy for aging. As a teacher and family therapist for over sixty years, my recommendation is that each of us continue to work on our handwriting and “carry cursive for life!”
