Get Started Today!
Find Your Location Call Us Today
- Center Details
- Ask A Question
- Change Location
·
- High School, Homework
What is the difference when writing vs typing notes on a laptop or tablet and using a pen and paper? Research indicates that physically writing notes on paper is the clear winner.
Yes, writing by hand is a slower task, but it makes it so that students have to be more selective in what they’re writing. Researchers have found that the actual processes involved in writing by hand mean students have a deeper understanding of the material.
If students are still going to use a laptop or tablet over pen and paper, they’re not doomed. However, students need to override their instinct to write everything and instead be more selective. And, of course, organize their notes immediately afterward and review them regularly.
What the Research Says on Writing vs Typing Notes
The research is clear: the better way to cement knowledge in your brain is to write your study notes by hand rather than type them. A simple change can make things easier to recall on test day.
Hard to believe?
Research published recently in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, echoes previous studies, such as one often-cited 2014 study called “The Pen Is Mightier Than The Keyboard,” which shows that writing notes by hand allowed participants to retain information better than those who typed on a laptop, even if they wrote fewer words overall.
When students take notes by hand, it develops a stronger conceptual understanding than by typing. Since handwriting is slower and more tedious, it makes it harder to take notes verbatim. Therefore students have to actually process the information and summarize it in a way that makes sense for them.
Taking Notes 101
Taking notes in class is important: as much as we’d like to think we will remember what a teacher or instructor said, most of us don’t have a memory that recalls everything. That’s why taking notes in class is so important.
While there isn’t a right or wrong way to take notes, there are methods that can be more effective.
Firstly, students do not need to write down everything. This is a mistake many students make.
If students’ in-class notes are messy, unorganized, and unclear at first glance, they’re not going to get much use out of them. This has nothing to do with how neat their handwriting is—it’s about how their notes are structured. Learn more about the best note-taking methods here.
GradePower Learning Can Help
Taking notes is an important part in the learning process. Taking note properly in class and when studying helps students remember information better and reduces stress at test time. Help your child develop more effective note-taking and study skills with GradePower Learning. Contact a location near you today!
Recent Posts
- Back to School
Make the First Month of School Awesome!
- Back to School
Seven Tips for a Successful First Month of School
- Back to School
Your Complete Back-To-School Guide
- College Prep
Are First-Year College Students Prepared For Success?
Become A Note-Taking Superstar
How to Study For Long-Term Memory Skills
Related Reading Resources
- High School
Understanding High School Tutoring
- Mar 22, 2024
- High School
Understanding High School Tutoring
- Mar 22, 2024
- High School, Studying
5 Tips to Prevent Freezing On Exams
- Jan 26, 2024
- High School, Studying
5 Tips to Prevent Freezing On Exams
- Jan 26, 2024
- High School
Fight High School Frustration With These Tips
- Sep 2, 2022
- High School
Fight High School Frustration With These Tips
- Sep 2, 2022
- Enrichment, Goals, High School, Homework
10 Tips To Boost Productivity This School Year
- Aug 19, 2022
- Enrichment, Goals, High School, Homework
10 Tips To Boost Productivity This School Year
- Aug 19, 2022
Find a GradePower Learning Location Near You!
20 American Locations and Growing!
Contact A Location
Tutoring Subjects
Age Groups
Pre-School
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
College Prep
Subject Areas
Reading
Writing
Math
English
Science
Study Skills
Homework Help
Tutoring Programs
Little Readers®
Beyond Tutoring®
Advantage™
College Success Program
About Us
Cognitive Learning
Lifelong Cognitive Results
The GradePower Learning® Difference
How We Help
Company
About Us
Careers
FAQs
Resources
- Franchise
Locations
- United States
Copyright © 2024 GradePower Learning Centers, All rights reserved.
Legal Notice Careers
GradePower Learning and the GradePower Learning Logo are registered trademarks of OX Royalties Limited Partnership, used under license.