Taking notes is now simpler than ever thanks to technology. From laptops to smartphones, there are myriad devices that enable us to swiftly take notes. And Students nowadays also are adamant about their widely-held view that taking notes on their tabs and laptops improves their performance. And the statement is indeed backed up by the fact that laptops enable students to accomplish more, including participating in online activities and presentations, working together more readily on papers and projects, accessing online resources, and taking more notes. Nevertheless, despite the practicality of digital tools, many professionals think that taking handwritten notes is a better strategy for understanding and remembering information. Here are some reasons why handwritten notes are better than digital notes.
Handwritten Notes are More Personal
When you write something by hand, you are creating a
physical connection with the information. This can help you internalise and
personalise the information in a way that simply typing it cannot. Also, the
act of physically writing words with a pen or pencil on a piece of paper
creates a unique, one-of-a-kind artefact that reflects the writer's
individuality and personality. In other words, handwritten notes can be more meaningful and memorable than digital
notes.
Handwritten Notes Help You Focus
Taking handwritten
notes requires more focus and attention than typing them. This is because
writing by hand is a slower process that forces you to carefully consider each
word and idea as you write it down and sink in the information more
efficiently. This act of active recall helps to solidify the information in
your mind and increases the likelihood of remembering it in the future. The
heightened focus can help you better understand and retain the information.
Handwritten Notes Engage Multiple Parts of your Brain
When you write by hand, you are using both your visual and
motor cortex and your working memory, which leads to a deeper comprehension of
every word and concept you are writing. Handwritten note-taking skills tap the
multiple parts of your brain including the visual and spatial regions, allowing
you to better visualise and understand complex concepts. This multi-sensory and
multi-faceted process creates a stronger neural connection to the material
being studied, making it more likely to be remembered in the long term.
Handwritten Notes Encourage Active Learning
Taking handwritten
notes is an active process that requires you to think critically about the
information you are trying to capture. You have to evaluate the importance of
each piece of information and decide how to organise it in a way that makes
sense to you. This active learning process can help you internalise the
information and increase your understanding of the material.
Handwritten Notes are More Flexible
When you write by hand, you have the freedom to add
comments, doodles, and drawings that can help you make connections between
different pieces of information. These doodles and drawings have more capacity
to leave an impact in your mind about the concept being studied. However, this
flexibility is not possible with digital notes, which are often limited to text
and simple symbols.
Handwritten Notes are More Memorable
Research has shown that students who take handwritten notes perform better on
memory tests than those who take digital notes. This is because written notes engage different parts of the
brain and encourage active learning, which helps to create a stronger memory
trace of the information.
Handwritten Notes are More Accessible
Unlike digital notes, handwritten
notes do not require any special technology or software. All you need is a
pen and paper, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of their access
to technology. This can be especially useful for students who do not have
access to computers or other technology or prefer a more low-tech approach to
note-taking.
So, how can you make the most of
handwritten notes? Here are a few tips:
- Get
the right supplies: Invest
in a notebook and pen that you like and that are comfortable to use. Some
people prefer lined notebooks, while others prefer blank pages. Experiment
to find what works best for you.
- Keep it concise: Write only the key points and information that
will be most useful for your studying and exams. Avoid copying entire
passages, as this can be time-consuming and less effective for retaining
information.
- Use abbreviations and
symbols: Writing
out every word can be time-consuming, so use abbreviations and symbols to
capture the most important information. Make sure to develop a system of
abbreviations and symbols that makes sense to you so you can quickly and
easily reference your notes later.
- Organise your notes: Take the time to organise your notes into
categories and subcategories. This can help you quickly find specific
information and make connections between different pieces of information.
- Personalise your notes: Add your own annotations, drawings, and other
personal touches to make your notes unique and memorable.
- Review your notes regularly: Regularly reviewing your handwritten notes can
help solidify the information in your memory. Set aside time each week to
review your notes and make any necessary updates or additions.
- Make use of different colours: Use different colours to highlight important
information, create visual aids, and make your notes more engaging and
memorable.
