Drawing is a powerful way to learn
When it comes to learning, drawing is better than writing notes, viewing images or listening to a speaker. When we draw information we remember nearly twice as much as when we write. Drawing works to help us remember more because it taps into the visual, kinaesthetic (movement), and linguistic (language) areas of the brain all at the same time. So, regardless of your learning style, drawing uses all three learning styles at once. This means that information is processed in three different ways, and this establishes more connections across your brain’s neural network. Your learning is embedded more deeply into your memory.
There are 4 ways that drawing can be included in learning something new:-
Use a rough draft sketch where you draw very simply and add brief notes or words, to explain what your drawing means. (Hint: this isn’t about a great detailed drawing - this is about the process of connecting information with images.)
Use an interactive notebook or a traditional sketchbook, but don’t just take notes - sketch out complex ideas. Use things like a concept map to record and show the connections between bits of information.
Try data visualisations. Use graphs, charts, timelines or maps, and collect, analyse and explain the information contained in them.
Show your understanding of a topic through drawing, rather than using more traditional and formal means. Tell a story, or show a process through images rather than with lots of words and sentences.
Drawing, and artwork, are an important part of learning. Why not try some of the suggestions above and see the impact they have on your learning. Try them with your children too. You may be amazed at the learning power of drawing.