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Find out moreFloral patterns, Scandinavian braids, little devils, hearts, and light strokes are common decorative elements for notebooks, notepads, and diaries. Drawing during classes is becoming a habitual activity for schoolchildren, students, and adults alike. Some of them "improve" Pushkin's portraits in textbooks, while others create right on their desks. Interestingly, even Pushkin himself sometimes left his drawings in the margins.
At first glance, such "vandalism" can be condemned, as it distracts from the educational process and ruins notebooks and desks. However, many modern teachers and scientists suggest using this passion for simple drawings for educational purposes. There are several effective techniques, such as doodling, scribbling, and sketchnoting, that can significantly improve information comprehension and promote better memorization. Let's take a closer look at these methods and how they can be used in the educational process.
Why drawing is worthwhile for studying
The phenomenon of doodling can be explained very simply. Doodling is automatic drawing, while a doodle is a simple drawing or squiggle. For example, when you listen to a long lecture and involuntarily draw hearts, lines, squares, or faces, you are doodling. It is important not to confuse doodles with drudles, which are visual puzzles, although both can be useful in the learning process. Doodling improves concentration and memory, helping to activate creative processes in the brain. Research shows that doodling while listening can enhance learning and improve retention. Doodles are a fun and useful tool in the educational process. They help develop creative thinking, improve problem-solving skills, and foster teamwork. Using doodles in learning creates an opportunity for students to freely express their ideas and concepts. This promotes a deeper understanding of the material and improves retention. Incorporating doodles into the learning process can significantly increase student motivation and make learning more engaging and effective. Doodles, or simple drawings, can improve concentration and promote better retention. In 2009, Professor Jackie Andrade of the University of Plymouth conducted a study to confirm this hypothesis. The experiment involved 40 people who were about to go home after a previous test. The participants were quite tired, which negatively impacted their ability to perceive information. The results of the study showed that participants who doodled while listening remembered the information better than those who did not. This highlights the importance of creative methods such as doodles in the learning and retention process.
The researcher conducted an experiment in which participants listened to a monotonous announcement about preparing for a party and wrote down the names of those who planned to attend. Some volunteers shaded squares and circles on the provided sheets of paper. After the experiment, the researcher briefly interviewed each participant and asked them to recall the names they had written down. The results showed that participants who doodled remembered 29% more names compared to those who simply took notes. This experiment highlights the importance of active participation methods in the retention process.
Almost ten years after the initial studies, Iranian scientists conducted a new experiment, focusing on adolescents—12- to 13-year-old girls studying in an Iranian school. During ten science lessons, schoolgirls were given the opportunity to draw as they wished during the theoretical portion of the lessons. After the first lesson, the researchers formed two groups: an experimental group, which included 27 girls who actively drew during the lessons, and a control group, also consisting of 27 participants who simply listened to the teacher. The results were assessed using tests administered during each lesson. The study showed that girls who drew remembered the material studied significantly better than those who did not use a creative approach.
A study on history lessons was conducted in a school in Texas, USA. Thirty-nine high school students aged 16–17 took part in it, divided into three groups. The study aimed to examine the impact of different teaching methods on the perception of historical events and the development of critical thinking in adolescents. The results of this study may be useful for educators seeking to improve the quality of education and make it more interactive and interesting for students.
- The first one in the class was given a special sheet with ready-made drawings (for example, stars, hearts, circles and squares). They had to color them, that is, the teenagers used "structured doodling."
- The second group received regular A4 sheets of paper on which they could draw whatever they wanted.
- The third, control, group studied in the usual mode, without resorting to doodling.
All participants listened to standard lectures lasting 45-60 minutes. The effectiveness of comprehension of the material and the ability to concentrate on the lesson were assessed using a written survey.
The results of the study revealed significant differences in scores between the control group and the experimental groups. Participants who engaged in both structured and unstructured doodling showed higher results. The first group, who used structured doodling, particularly stood out, achieving the highest scores. These data highlight the importance of different doodling methods for improving academic performance and learning effectiveness.
The study found that 82% of students in the experimental groups experienced fewer distractions compared to traditional lessons. Moreover, 79.5% of participants noted that doodling contributed to better memorization of educational material. Researchers attribute this effect to the fact that mechanical drawing helps reduce boredom and prevent mind wandering. Incorporating doodling into the educational process can be an effective tool for improving concentration and information retention.
When boredom sets in, the "fight or flight" response forces you to remain alert. Doodling can be an effective way to maintain activity and focus. This process prevents you from falling asleep or losing interest when your mind begins to drift off. The ability to "free-draw" gives your brain time to maintain connections and activity. Harvard Medical School professor Srini Pillay explains that this approach helps avoid a passive state and promotes improved concentration and creativity.
There are studies that do not confirm that doodling effectively combats boredom or promotes better memorization. Therefore, the question of its benefits remains open. However, spontaneous doodling is known to help reduce anxiety, which in turn makes it easier to focus on perceiving and remembering new information. Scientific studies have shown that even simple drawings, like other forms of artistic activity, help reduce levels of cortisol, known as the "stress hormone." Drawing can be a useful tool for combating stress and increasing concentration, making it a valuable activity for people of all ages.
How one school allowed drawing on desks
Research shows that doodling brings significant benefits not only to students but also to teachers. In 2016, the principal of one New York City middle school, Andrew Kasel, began transforming the learning space, replacing traditional desks with tables with drawing boards. Within two years, he successfully converted 12 of the 30 classrooms. Students used these desks not only for drawing but also for taking notes, creating sketches, and working on group projects under the teacher's guidance. Kasel noted that the opportunity to draw on the desks-blackboards attracts students' attention, and that collaborative work and positive feedback from the teacher, who can see all the notes, significantly increase student motivation. This approach demonstrates how innovative teaching methods can improve the educational process and student engagement.
How to Draw for Academic Benefit
Two information visualization techniques are widely used in education: sketchnoting and scribing. Both methods aim to simplify the perception and memorization of information through visual elements such as symbols, drawings, and text. However, there are important differences between them. Sketchnoting involves the active participation of the notetaker, who creates individual notes reflecting their understanding of the material. Scribing, on the other hand, is most often performed by a professional who visualizes information in real time for the audience. These techniques help enhance learning, making it more interactive and memorable.
Scribing is actively used by speakers at conferences and during workshops to effectively convey the essence of their presentations through visual images and keywords. In the educational environment, this tool is especially useful for teachers, allowing them to visualize students' ideas and responses directly on the board during the lesson. For schoolchildren, sketchnoting is a more suitable method, allowing them to independently capture information and ideas in a visual format. The combination of scribing and sketchnoting promotes a deeper understanding of the material and improves visual thinking skills.
Rachel Smith, an American math and art teacher who now works as a graphic facilitator, shared her experience from her school years. Back then, teachers often criticized her for using drawings during lessons, believing that it distracted from the learning process and interfered with memorization. Teachers even forced her to speak in front of the class to criticize her "careless" behavior. However, Rachel discovered that drawing actually helped her retain information better. She created her own "library" of symbols that allowed her to effectively "encode" knowledge and retrieve it from memory when needed. This experience highlights the importance of visual perception in learning and shows how unconventional methods can be useful for memorizing information.
Drawing encourages the creation of personalized visual notes that students can use to review and recall information they've heard. When a teacher teaches, they're actually sharing a compelling story. When students create drawing notes, they visualize that story, which helps them better retain the material. It's important to keep the drawing process quick and simple, which will help them focus on the content and facilitate retention.
If drawing quickly isn't possible, and the artist has a clear concept that's difficult to immediately transfer to paper, they can leave space for the drawing and return to it later. This approach, according to Smith, promotes better retention of information. However, if you focus entirely on the drawing process, it becomes difficult to perceive information.
In Russia, Valentina Bratash, a researcher at St. Petersburg State University, conducted a study using sketchnoting in a literary workshop at the Sirius Educational Center and in literature classes at St. Petersburg School No. 92. The experiment involved 533 schoolchildren from across the country. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of sketchnoting as a tool for increasing student engagement and comprehension of literary material.
During the diagnostic phase of the study, Sirius students were shown sketches illustrating three key themes: biographies of Russian writers, classic literary works, and general literary concepts. Participants were asked to analyze the visual notes and discuss them in a group. Based on the students' feedback, several conclusions were drawn.
- The unusual format of presenting the topic attracted their attention and interested them in the work being depicted.
- It was difficult to interpret this "text," so the teacher's assistance was needed.
- Notes in the sketchnoting format could serve as a good reflection of the lesson plan or summary.
During the experimental stage, students mastered the creation of visual notes during extracurricular literature classes. They learned how to structure this type of text, create visual metaphors and the basics of drawing. As a result, some students began to regularly use sketchnoting in their main classes both at school and at university. Bratash's study showed that sketchnoting has a significant positive impact on the educational process. However, the use of this tool requires certain conditions and consideration of the individual characteristics of students.
To effectively use sketches in the classroom, the teacher requires preliminary preparation. It's important to recognize that sketching is an alternative method that isn't suitable for all students. When planning a lesson, it's important to emphasize that this tool is supplementary, not primary. When introducing visual note-taking, students should be taught how to properly perceive information: reading not only the text but also the visual elements. Sketching doesn't replace linear text, but rather complements it. Therefore, when creating a sketch, it's important to draw on a variety of sources of information to help students understand the material more deeply. Sketchnoting is an effective tool for teaching children with special needs. Carrie Baucum, a teacher and author of "The Pencil Made Me Do It," shares an example of this approach. She worked with children with various difficulties, including speech and behavioral issues. One day, while discussing an Edgar Allan Poe story, Carrie noticed that her students were having trouble expressing their thoughts in words. In response, she began drawing her own visualizations directly on the pages of the book, inspiring the students to emulate her actions. Gradually, during subsequent lessons, one of the students decided to create his own drawing, and soon the rest of his classmates followed suit. This experience demonstrates how sketchnoting can promote engagement and self-expression in children with special needs, helping them develop creativity and self-confidence.
Baucum reports that over time, the students began to visualize their ideas and perceptions of the learning material. Even if the image initially seemed unrelated to what they were learning, it was important for the student to be able to explain the connection between what they had drawn and what they were learning. Visualization, according to the teacher, contributed to deeper memorization, increased concentration in class, and increased student confidence. This approach to teaching strengthens critical thinking skills and promotes more effective knowledge acquisition.
Sketchnoting fits perfectly with the concept of lifelong learning. Rob DiMeo, director of the NIST Center for Neutron Research in the United States, has used this technique to improve understanding and retention of information provided by government scientists. For a year, he documented every presentation, meeting, and even book in sketch form. Drawing was difficult at first, but over time, he noticed that creating visual notes became much easier. As a result, his sketches turned into true works of contemporary art, accessible to everyone. Sketchnoting not only helps you better absorb information but also develops creative skills, making it an invaluable tool in the educational process.
Listening to information and comprehending it while writing is one of the most difficult tasks, but it is precisely this skill that brings the greatest benefit. By overcoming internal discomfort, you can become not just a passive listener, but an active participant in the process. This approach significantly improves the quality of perception and memorization of information, allowing you to absorb knowledge more effectively. DiMeo claims that developing this skill opens new horizons in learning and personal growth.
Sketching inspired an exhibition featuring Nobel laureates. The main goal of this project was to popularize science. Renowned scientists posed for photographer Volker Steger, displaying drawings that captured the essence of their innovative inventions. The exhibition not only drew attention to scientific achievements but also helped visualize complex ideas, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Why You Shouldn't Be Afraid of Sketches
On the way to mastering sketchnoting, fear of drawing often arises: “Everyone else has such beautiful notes, but I can only ‘dot-dot-cucumber’.” In his talk, British educator and author of "The Art of Business Communication" Graham Shaw demonstrates why this fear is unfounded. He emphasizes that sketchnoting isn't just about artistic skill, but also about the ability to visualize ideas and simplify complex concepts. Anyone can develop their sketchnoting skills by using simple shapes and symbols to create clear and engaging notes. This approach helps improve information comprehension and promotes more effective communication. Sketching is an accessible and effective learning tool that anyone can use, regardless of their artistic skill level. Many people doubt their abilities, claiming, "I can't draw." However, as Shaw notes, anyone can create images that help them remember information and improve their comprehension. Sketching doesn't require professional skill; all that's needed is desire and practice. This not only develops creativity but also improves visualization skills. Use sketching as a tool for memorization and retention, and you'll see how it transforms your learning.
Rachel Smith offers a powerful visual note-taking algorithm that's perfect for teaching sketchnoting. This method allows you to quickly and easily master the basic principles of information visualization, which is beneficial for both teachers and students. Visual note-taking helps you better remember and retain material, and also develops creative thinking. By applying Rachel's algorithm, you can make the learning process more engaging and productive.
Choosing the right tools is crucial for comfortable work. These can be traditional pencil and paper, pen and notepad, or modern devices like a tablet or phone. The main thing is that you feel comfortable working. Use simple and intuitive tools. If you're not familiar with sketching apps, trying to figure out their functions can only cause frustration. Even when using familiar tools, it's helpful to practice beforehand to improve your work efficiency.
Build your library of visual elements. Include simple icons, such as houses, people, and light bulbs. These elements will help simplify the note-taking process and improve comprehension. Preparing your library in advance will allow you to focus on the content without being distracted by searching for suitable images as you work.
Smith offers an interesting example: imagine you're transcribing a lecture in a standard text format. However, this can be challenging if you develop a new language for the notes along the way. In this case, simple visual elements can act as a kind of ready-made vocabulary, making the information easier to understand and retain. Using such elements allows you to convey ideas and concepts more effectively, making the lecture more accessible to the audience.
Practicing capturing the main points of the material is an important aspect of visual learning. In this process, detail plays a key role. Sketchnoting drawings can be simple, such as using doodling elements, but they can be expanded. If you have a stick figure in your visual library, its facial expressions can vary, which can be indicated using simple symbols such as a dash and two dots. For example, if you need to illustrate a historical fact such as Tsar Peter the Great's anger toward his son Alexei, you could add a crown to the figure's head and depict an "upside-down" smile on its face. Or, when taking notes for a fire safety briefing, you could make the hydrant a circle with a spiral and color the alarm button red. Such visual elements help to better assimilate information and make the learning process more visual.
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