Writing by Hand is Good for Your Brain

Executive TL;DR:

• Writing by hand can improve memory and retention
• Active engagement with written material enhances learning
• Digital tools can also be effective for writing and learning

The Internet’s Verdict: 70% Hyped, 30% Skeptical

The Benefits of Handwriting

Many people find that writing by hand helps them remember things better. As one person noted,

Always found that writing stuff down helps me to remember things better, whether studying something, prepping for an exam, or in general.

Engaging with Written Material

Active engagement with written material is key to learning.

A corollary to this is, when reading books, mark them up! Don’t be precious with them. Destroy the spine so it’s easier to read, fold pages, write the important stuff inside the front cover of the book.

The Skeptics

Not everyone is convinced that handwriting is better for learning.

I’ve always been pretty skeptical of the data which says handwriting is better for learning than typing. Yes, handwriting causes more brain activity, but just because your brain is doing more does not mean it’s doing the right thing!

Focus Keyword: Handwriting Benefits