When you think of doodling, you might picture absentminded scribbles on the edge of a notebook during a lecture. But did you know that doodling can actually help with memory and learning? Far from being a distraction, science shows that doodling can enhance focus, improve information retention, and even reduce stress—making it a powerful study tool for students.
How Doodling Engages the Brain
Doodling activates multiple brain regions, including those responsible for processing visual information, motor skills, and creativity. This multi-sensory engagement helps strengthen neural connections, making it easier to encode and retrieve information. Here’s how it works:
Enhances Focus: Contrary to popular belief, doodling doesn’t mean you’re zoning out. Research suggests that simple doodling can keep the brain engaged while preventing it from drifting into full daydream mode. This helps maintain attention during long lectures or study sessions.
Boosts Retention: A study by psychologist Jackie Andrade found that participants who doodled while listening to a monotonous phone message remembered 29% more information than those who didn’t doodle. The act of sketching helps reinforce what you hear by providing a secondary representation of the information.
Improves Comprehension: Visual representation of concepts—whether through simple diagrams, mind maps, or sketches—can help make abstract ideas more concrete. This is particularly useful in subjects like science and maths, where relationships between concepts are key.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Studying can be stressful, but doodling has been shown to have a calming effect by reducing cortisol levels. When students are relaxed, they can absorb and recall information more effectively.
How to Use Doodling as a Study Tool
If you’re looking to integrate doodling into your study routine, here are some strategies to try:
Sketch Key Concepts: Turn study notes into visual summaries by drawing simple symbols, flowcharts, or mind maps. This can be particularly helpful for history timelines, science processes, or complex maths problems.
Use Colour and Shapes: Adding colours or different shapes to your doodles can create stronger associations, making it easier to recall details later.
Doodle While Listening: If you’re in a lecture or watching an educational video, try doodling as you listen. Even simple patterns or abstract shapes can help maintain focus.
Try Visual Mnemonics: Convert difficult-to-remember terms or formulas into memorable images. For example, you could turn the Pythagorean theorem into a triangle with cartoon features.
Embrace Doodling for Smarter Studying
Rather than dismissing doodling as a distraction, students should embrace it as a useful learning technique. By engaging different parts of the brain, doodling can help boost concentration, retention, and understanding—leading to better academic performance. So, next time you reach for a pen during study time, don’t just take notes—doodle your way to success!
Need help developing effective study strategies? Our expert tutors can personalise learning techniques to suit your strengths. Contact us today to find out more! The Science Behind Why Doodling Helps You Remember
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