Digital tools help us learn, right? Well, pen and paper would beg to disagree – and there’s plenty of cognitive science to back that up.
Rather than confirming the superiority of technology, recent research reveals that traditional exercise books for schools might be more important than ever for learning and development.
In fact, science suggests that our eagerness to digitise every facet of education could be compromising our ability to process and retain information.
But what exactly makes pen and paper so special? And why should we maintain physical exercise books in an increasingly digital world?
Pen and Paper: The Scientific Evidence
Pen and paper have been used for millennia, but can these seemingly ancient tools still help us learn today?
In a widely cited 2024 study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, researchers used a specialised hairnet with 256 sensors to monitor students’ brain activity during writing tasks.
Handwriting activated widespread connectivity patterns across visual regions, sensory processing areas, and the motor cortex. In contrast, typing showed minimal brain activation in these same areas.
This builds on Professor Kuniyoshi L. Sakai’s 2021 work at the University of Tokyo, which demonstrated that writing on physical paper leads to dramatically more brain activity than digital devices.
Even more surprisingly, participants completed note-taking tasks approximately 25% faster when using pen and paper compared to tablets or smartphones.
It definitely makes you think twice about the rise of digital devices in learning.
The Role of Physical Writing in Learning
Let’s dive a little deeper. When students write by hand, they engage in what researchers call “tangible permanence” – a unique spatial process that aids memory and recall.
Unlike digital screens, physical pages allow students to create mental maps of their notes.
In essence, you truly visualise notes in the exercise book – something which is challenging to replicate on a word editor. You may even be able to visualise some of the notes you took in your own exercise books.
Interestingly, research from the University of Tokyo revealed that children who learn through pen and paper develop stronger letter recognition skills and more easily distinguish between mirror-image letters like ‘b’ and ‘d’. This has enduring effects on reading and writing abilities.
Moreover, the distraction-free nature of physical notebooks offers a rare space for focused, deep learning without notifications, pop-ups, or the temptation to multitask. This alone makes them invaluable tools in any learning environment.
In sum, pen and paper naturally encourage students to:
- Consolidate and reword information in their own terms
- Create personal connections with the material
- Process information more deeply through physical engagement
- Develop stronger spatial memory patterns
The Future of Learning: A Balancing Act?
While digital tools undoubtedly have their place in modern education, the evidence for maintaining exercise books in our classrooms is tremendous.
Exercise books provide unique cognitive benefits that screens simply cannot replicate, from enhanced memory formation to improved information processing.
At Springfield Papers, we understand the science behind successful learning. Our range of high-quality exercise books is designed to enhance these cognitive benefits, offering various sizes and styles to suit every educational need.
From traditional lined pages to squared grids for mathematics, our sustainable paper products provide the perfect foundation for improved learning and memory retention.
Explore our full range of school exercise books online, or contact us to discuss your school’s specific requirements.