Most, if not all, students have a preferred study method that is usually carried over from high school. Many of these “traditional” study methods have been modified into virtual versions of themselves. Instead of flashcards, we have Quizlet. Instead of hand-drawn notes, we have computers. Instead of tutors and teachers, we can just ask ChatGPT. The list goes on… These newer study methods are often seen as more efficient, but are they more effective?
A study on the neurological effects of typing versus handwritten notes published in Life revealed that while both are helpful in word recognition, handwriting forces the writer to pause more over the content they are writing down and contemplate it more, making it a better tool for memorisation. On the other hand, typing is generally faster and more organised, making it more useful for note-taking during lectures. Both methods have their advantages, but for different reasons.
Handwritten versus typed flashcards have similar attributes to handwriting and typed notes. Handwritten flashcards take longer to make, but writing them down helps students remember the work more effectively. Conversely, typed flashcards can be made faster but often take longer to learn since the student does not remember as much from creating them. It is also more effective for active recall to use handwritten flashcards or notes.
Ironically, the only method where new methods proved overall more effective than the old ones was the use of AI as tutors and teachers. In a 2025 study done by Harvard University, students who used AI performed twice as well as students who simply used traditional interactive classroom-based learning methods. AI also outperforms traditional tutoring since it is readily available for longer periods of time. Unfortunately, AI poses a hidden danger in that it can lead to overreliance since students no longer have to figure out problems on their own. They also no longer have to actively try to understand the work themselves. This can lead to a generation of students never truly understanding the work they are studying by never truly thinking critically about it themselves.
Luckily, not many students have given up the traditional methods of learning in favour of new ones. In a poll conducted by PDBY, 77% of students responded that they prefer traditional study methods over digital methods. This shows that the majority of students have a balanced outlook on which study methods work for them instead of just going for the easier-seeming digital options.
It is not a bad thing to use digital study tools. They are often more time efficient and can help students manage busy schedules and academic pressure. However, even though virtual study tools seem more helpful, traditional methods have stood the test of time for a reason and should not be abandoned. We live in a time where the new and technological is often presented as better. While newer digital study tools seem shiny and helpful, it is important to remember: not all that glitters is gold.
Visual: Mpho Makwela
