Study shows writing is good for the brain and boosts memory

Pupils are now encouraged to tap words out on tablets and computers.

But writing by hand may help them learn better, a study suggests.

The coordination involved in precisely moving a pen to form individual letters is believed to be good for the brain and boosts memory.

Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology studied 12 children aged 12 as they typed or wrote. 

When writing by hand, they showed greater activity in the areas of their brain linked to learning.

And similar results were found in tests carried out on 12 adults.

Professor Audrey van der Meer, senior author of the study, said: ‘Learning to write by hand is a bit slower but it’s important for children to go through the tiring phase of learning to do it.’

The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.