Can Reading Printed Media Help Your Comprehension?
It’s true! Studies have shown that students retain and comprehend information better when reading printed paper than they do on digital screens.
Anne Mangen, PhD, a professor at the University of Stavanger in Norway, conducted a study in 2017, in which participants were given the same story in either digital or printed media, then were asked questions about what they’d read.
Those who had read the printed version were able to more accurately recall details of the text.
Likewise, Virginia Clinton, assistant professor at the University of North Dakota, compiled results from 33 studies on comprehension of digital versus printed materials. These studies revealed a pattern: students retain more when they read on paper.
In addition, the studies revealed that students tended to misjudge their comprehension levels when reading digital formats. Those reading on screens consistently overestimated their level of information retention. By contrast, students using printed media more accurately estimated their performance on the test afterward.
When preparing educational materials such as handouts or manuals, printed pieces give your trainees the tools to retain more information and perform better. A few pieces you may wish to consider:
Manuals
These can be bound in a variety of styles, including perfect binding or the more economical saddle-stitch for smaller books.
Workbooks
Studies have shown that writing down information by hand can help students retain more information. Consider workbooks as a part of your training material.
Posters
These can be great takeaways that remind participants of workflow procedures, mission statements, or any other pertinent information you’d like them to display for future reference.
Reference Cards
Much like posters, these smaller pieces are handy for students to keep after the class is over. Coating and lamination options can help increase the durability of your cards, too.
Whichever pieces you need, POD Print has decades of experience creating materials for a productive learning environment. Take advantage of our custom design services, or provide your own files. Contact us to discuss your project today!
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