Visual Problem Solving Tricks: A Moving Pencil = Access to New Solutions
There has been a lot of talk about the power of doodling lately, as well as visual recording and graphic facilitation of meetings for those in the corporate world. The idea that visual learning is equally valid is an evolution of acceptance that this child of the 1970s longed for early in life. It is a pretty exciting use of one of our oldest technologies, pointing our sticks in the sand and making our mark, on today’s iteration of cave paintings, such as those at Lascaux.
Doodling Engages Our Bodies and Minds to Aid Comprehension
While some folks might question the purpose of doodling, I have a simple theory about the function of the doodle. It engages our bodies and minds to aid comprehension. The evidence in this study suggests doodling harnesses the brain away from daydreaming, so the doodler is enabled to stay more fully present with the primary task.
I also believe that the act of putting pen or pencil to paper actually fires up connections between brain cells, just as sleep aids in the role of memory. The sleep study suggests that a particular phase of sleep produces low waves in the brain during which time our brains replay newly learned tasks, so that memory of the learned task is enhanced. The act of drawing can produce a meditative state that allows for the assimilation of new information, and I am guessing that similar things are happening in the brain during drawing in order to incorporate newly learned materials.
Taking Longhand Notes Aids in Retention of Information
Additionally, this study suggests that those taking longhand notes in class will retain more information a week after a lecture than those using a laptop to take notes. And those using script to take notes will be able to reconstruct newly learned concepts better, not just memorize facts more efficiently. I believe at best that doodling, or drawing, actually connects synapses and promotes absorption of information. At worst, it leaves behind pretty entertaining journals, such as those of Samuel Beckett. Beckett, author of Waiting for Godot, has journals that recently sold for nearly 1 million pounds. As Beckett expert John Pilling says “They (the doodles) are there, I think, to keep the pen moving, and to stimulate the mind into more movement.”
Next time your child or employee needs time to rejuvenate after brain fry, hand them a pencil and piece of paper and give them some time to incorporate their learning. See if grades improve and projects reach completion more effectively. Report back- I want to hear about it!