Computers and tablets might be commonplace in today’s classrooms, but research shows that writing by hand offers better benefits for learning, comprehension and retention than keyboarding. So when it’s time for your annual back-to-school shopping trip, you’ll want to stock up on top-tier writing instruments from Pilot Pen. Below, discover how your student can put pen to paper to make the most of their school year.
Embrace Color for Improved Comprehension and Creativity
Sure, color-coded notes are aesthetically pleasing and fun to create, but did you know that writing in different hues may actually boost the quality of your learning and memorization?
Research has shown that the usage of color — particularly in warmer shades like yellow, red and orange — may improve student comprehension and overall retention, because they increase our attention level. Alternatively, blue, which has a calming and mentally stimulating effect, can help with idea generation, while green is often associated with balance and enhanced memory. Try tapping into these powers with a G2 Gel Pen — America’s number-one selling, longest-lasting, smooth-writing gel pens. They’re available in four point sizes and more than 40 vibrant colors.
Erase Mistakes (and Frustration) for Lower-Stress Learning
Making mistakes and correcting them is a major part of learning; it can even help enhance their understanding of information. Of course, getting something wrong and having cross-outs all over the page can be incredibly frustrating. That’s why taking notes and solving problems with pencils can feel safer for some students, particularly those with perfectionist tendencies, even though pens tend to provide a smoother, sharper writing experience. With a FriXion Erasable Pen, they get the best of both: the decisive feel of writing with a pen (in any of a wide range of colors) with the flexibility of a pencil.
Avoiding frustration matters. Feeling upset, annoyed, or stressed can actually make it harder to learn. Studies show that stress can impair attention and memory function in a way that hinders academic performance. When you remove those negative feelings, the learning experience improves even more.
Erasable pens also encourage experimentation in educational settings. Knowing they can bounce back from mistakes gives students the confidence to try new study styles and crush their goals along the way
Rewrite, Refine and Condense for Stronger Retention
The act of rewriting and refining notes can help students filter out unnecessary details and focus on what’s most important. It’s a form of active learning — an approach to teaching that keeps students actively engaged, as opposed to just passively receiving information. (Roundtable discussions, debates and collaborative group projects also fall into this category.)
Studies have shown that organizing information in a structured way — think using headings and subheadings, bullet points or numbered lists — may improve memory and recall. Similarly, summarizing content in a concise format boosts understanding and retention.
With a Precise Pen, which has an extra-fine-point tip and comes in multiple colors, it’s easy to clearly condense key information. For instance, by transferring notes onto a single index card, students can create the ultimate review tool. They can write small, legible words and sketch tiny charts without sacrificing readability, while enhancing memory and learning.
With the use of all these tools, in combination with their own natural curiosity and creativity, your student will be primed to get writing and achieve their best this year—and beyond.