The Power of the Pen: Why Cursive Handwriting Trumps Typing for Learning

In today’s digital age, classrooms are increasingly shifting from traditional pen-and-paper methods to digital devices for note-taking and learning. This transition raises an important question: is typing on a keyboard as effective for learning as writing by hand? Recent research by Eva Ose Askvik, F. R. (Ruud) van der Weel, and Audrey L. H. van der Meer from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology sheds light on this debate.

The Study: A Closer Look with EEG


The study employed high-density electroencephalogram (HD EEG) technology to observe brain activity in 12-year-old children and young adults while they engaged in three activities: writing in cursive by hand, typewriting, and drawing. The goal was to understand how these different methods impact brain activity and, consequently, learning.

The Participants


The study involved 24 participants, split equally between 12-year-old children and young adults. Each participant was asked to write, type, and draw visually presented words that varied in difficulty, while their brain activity was recorded using a 256-channel sensor array.

Key Findings


  1. Handwriting Engages the Brain More:
    • When participants wrote by hand using a digital pen on a touchscreen, there was significant synchronized activity in the theta range in the parietal and central brain regions. This type of brain activity is associated with memory and the encoding of new information, suggesting that handwriting provides optimal conditions for learning.
  2. Drawing Shows Similar Benefits:
    • Drawing also activated the parietal areas but showed event-related desynchronization in the alpha/beta range. This indicates both similarities and differences compared to handwriting, but still points to a beneficial impact on learning.
  3. Typing is Less Effective:
    • In contrast, typing showed event-related desynchronization in the theta range and, to a lesser extent, in the alpha range in the same brain regions. However, this activity was less synchronized, making its connection to learning less clear.
  4. Children vs. Adults:
    • The same patterns of brain activity were observed in children, though to a lesser extent. This suggests that children may benefit even more from handwriting and drawing as their brains are still developing.

Why Does Handwriting Matter?


The study highlights the importance of sensory-motor integration in learning. Handwriting involves complex motor skills and precise hand movements, engaging multiple senses and brain systems. This deeper level of processing helps with memory and understanding, making it a powerful tool for learning.
Implications for Education
As digital devices become more prevalent in education, it’s crucial to consider the long-term implications on learning. While typing and digital note-taking may be more convenient, they might not provide the same cognitive benefits as handwriting.

Conclusion: Keep Writing Alive


In conclusion, the study strongly suggests that handwriting and drawing should remain integral parts of the educational curriculum. These activities not only engage the brain more effectively but also help establish beneficial neuronal oscillation patterns from an early age. By maintaining handwriting in the classroom, educators can optimize learning and support better academic outcomes.

Practical Tips for Educators


  1. Incorporate Handwriting into Lessons:
    • Encourage students to take notes by hand during lectures and discussions. This can help reinforce learning and improve memory retention.
  2. Use Drawing as a Learning Tool:
    • Drawing can be a fun and effective way to engage students in subjects like science and history. It aids in visualizing concepts and enhances understanding.
  3. Balance Digital and Traditional Methods:
    • While digital devices are useful, it’s important to strike a balance. Use them for certain tasks but ensure that handwriting remains a regular part of learning activities.
  4. Teach Cursive Writing:
    • Despite the trend towards digital, cursive writing should not be neglected. Teaching cursive can improve fine motor skills and cognitive development.

Final Thoughts


The digital revolution has brought many advantages to education, but it’s important not to lose sight of the benefits of traditional methods like handwriting. This study underscores the cognitive advantages of writing by hand and calls for a balanced approach to learning in the modern classroom. So, let’s keep the art of handwriting alive and ensure our students reap the full benefits of this timeless skill.


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