Why do we learn better on paper? [Infographic]

Reading offers us a stage for our emotions and ideas.

Leafing through a book is an act of unique pleasure. Paper has a visual impact, smell, sound, and texture. And it influences us in a way that goes beyond these senses; becoming an essential factor in our rates of learning and knowledge.

Numerous studies conducted over the past few years have concluded that reading on paper – as opposed to digital reading – promotes abstract thinking, concentration, and comprehension while causing less eyestrain.

Neuroscience has also proven a clear link between arm movement, especially writing and drawing, and the neurological process of learning. And in psychology, it has been realized that handwriting enhances knowledge acquisition and conceptual performance – more so than typing on a computer.

For all the benefits associated with it and all the emotions it awakens in us, paper has guaranteed its place in the future, coexisting fully in complement with new digital technologies.

Check in this exclusive infographic we made just for you all the benefits from reading on paper!

Want to know more?

Learn about the findings of Pam A. Mueller and Daniel M. Oppenheimer which showed that students who had taken handwritten notes on paper outperformed their computer-notetaking contemporaries.

Or read about the trends that are emerging in the future of work.

Already a paper convert?

Get the most out of your studying time with these paper-based study techniques.

Discover our tips for effective notetaking using paper.

Or find out about paper’s usefulness in hybrid learning.

Sources:

K. H. James e L. Engelhardt (2012). The effects of handwriting experience on functional brain development in pre-literate children

A. Mangen et al (2014). Mystery story reading in pocket print book and on Kindle: Possible impact on chronological events memory

A. Bavishi et al (2016). Academic Reading Format International Study (ARFIS): Investigating Students Around the World

A. Salaz et al (2016). Novice and Expert Information Behavior: An Eye Tracking Study from Qatar

P. Delgado et al (2018). Don’t throw away your printed books: A meta-analysis on the effects of reading media on reading comprehension | Quorcica (2017). Global Print 2025 Study