Hiram Coiner (Helix Sophomore) doodles in his notebook during desktop publishing
Helix Oregon – Local Helix School teacher Timothy Kahl, and Griswold High School Senior Wyatt Van Wechel, have opposing views of students doodling during class and whether it has any benefits. Many would assume that teachers complain about students doodling in their classrooms, but does it have any benefits?
Most teachers tend to dislike doodling because they believe that students are distracted and do not pay attention to their lessons while sketching out swirls, exotic animals, and various geometric shapes, but not every teacher feels this way. Helix ELA teacher Timothy Kahl believes that doodling is beneficial. Kahl stated, “I didn’t know teachers shun doodling.” Kahl believes that students should doodle as it gets the brain flowing with creativity and focus.
“If teachers did their research, they would know about the benefits of doodling,”Kahl said. He learned this from when he was browsing the web on his own time, looking for studies regarding behaviors in students. Most students would contend that doodling can be a form of note taking, and Kahl agrees with them. “I don't know the difference between note taking and doodling.” he said, his own research has proven to him that doodles give students a memory of what they are listening to.
According to Boston University, “Seventy-five percent of Americans say they doodle occasionally, and one in four say they doodle at least once a day.” Also, 23.5% of the population have been confirmed to be students as of August 2023, meaning a majority of students are doodlers who would most likely say that doodling is helpful.
However, students do not always say that doodling is beneficial, Helix Senior (and hard-core doodler) Wyatt Van Wechel does not believe that doodling is that beneficial, as he tends to not pay attention to anything the teacher is saying while he engages in doodling, but he says he still does it, as it is a “stress reliever.” “I’m focusing my world on this little doodle,” said Van Wechel. When he draws, he feels like he is in his own little safe zone and nothing around him matters. Van Wechel has been singled out by many as a frequent doodler around the school as he constantly draws on tests, assignments, notes, and anything else he can possibly draw on.
Most research suggests that while doodling, students may feel an inner sense of relief from the noisy world around them. When students have something on their mind, it is better to get it out in a constructive way and then be able to focus in class, rather than keep it in and stay distracted for the whole class period, thereby decreasing their productivity levels.
According to Learning Liftoff, a comprehensive destination for families looking for learning resources and ideas to give their children educational success, “Researchers have discovered that doodling can actually inspire creativity, engage students academically, and help hold their attention.” This evidence confirms how doodling may be beneficial to students so they can take notes better by using this information.
Most teachers tend to dislike doodling because they believe that students are distracted and do not pay attention to their lessons while sketching out swirls, exotic animals, and various geometric shapes, but not every teacher feels this way. Helix ELA teacher Timothy Kahl believes that doodling is beneficial. Kahl stated, “I didn’t know teachers shun doodling.” Kahl believes that students should doodle as it gets the brain flowing with creativity and focus.
“If teachers did their research, they would know about the benefits of doodling,”Kahl said. He learned this from when he was browsing the web on his own time, looking for studies regarding behaviors in students. Most students would contend that doodling can be a form of note taking, and Kahl agrees with them. “I don't know the difference between note taking and doodling.” he said, his own research has proven to him that doodles give students a memory of what they are listening to.
According to Boston University, “Seventy-five percent of Americans say they doodle occasionally, and one in four say they doodle at least once a day.” Also, 23.5% of the population have been confirmed to be students as of August 2023, meaning a majority of students are doodlers who would most likely say that doodling is helpful.
However, students do not always say that doodling is beneficial, Helix Senior (and hard-core doodler) Wyatt Van Wechel does not believe that doodling is that beneficial, as he tends to not pay attention to anything the teacher is saying while he engages in doodling, but he says he still does it, as it is a “stress reliever.” “I’m focusing my world on this little doodle,” said Van Wechel. When he draws, he feels like he is in his own little safe zone and nothing around him matters. Van Wechel has been singled out by many as a frequent doodler around the school as he constantly draws on tests, assignments, notes, and anything else he can possibly draw on.
Most research suggests that while doodling, students may feel an inner sense of relief from the noisy world around them. When students have something on their mind, it is better to get it out in a constructive way and then be able to focus in class, rather than keep it in and stay distracted for the whole class period, thereby decreasing their productivity levels.
According to Learning Liftoff, a comprehensive destination for families looking for learning resources and ideas to give their children educational success, “Researchers have discovered that doodling can actually inspire creativity, engage students academically, and help hold their attention.” This evidence confirms how doodling may be beneficial to students so they can take notes better by using this information.
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