How High-Quality Print Materials Boost Student Engagement and Learning

As a school leader, you are always looking for ways to improve student engagement and learning. In today's digital age, it's easy to assume that everything is moving to online learning, but the benefits of print materials shouldn’t be ignored.

Despite the introduction of computers, laptops, and tablets to classrooms, print is simply a better medium for learning. Studies have shown time and time again that students who use print materials to study retain information better than those who use digital materials. Print materials allow students to engage with the material on a deeper level.

Why Print on Campus and in the Classroom Matters

Here are 4 reasons schools and universities should use printed materials to connect with their student bodies. 

1. Printed classroom materials make learning accessible for all students. 

While digital resources have their benefits, not all students have equal access to technology or reliable internet connectivity. Printed materials ensure that all students can access the same information and learning materials, regardless of their socioeconomic status or access to technology. 

Printed materials can also be customized and adapted to meet the unique needs of individual students, allowing educators to tailor their teaching approach to accommodate different learning styles and abilities. With printed materials, students can annotate and highlight important information, take notes, and refer back to the material as needed, providing a tangible and reliable resource to support their learning.

2. Students better comprehend and retain information gleaned from printed materials.

When students read printed materials, they engage in active reading. Unlike with digital textbooks or lecture points, their printed counterparts allow students to easily annotate and underline key points, take notes in the margins, and highlight important information. This process allows them to interact with the material on a deeper level and promotes a better understanding and retention of the information. 

Printed materials designed with clear and concise language, well-organized content, and effective use of visuals can help to reduce cognitive load and make it easier for students to comprehend complex concepts. 

3. Print materials’ tangibility provides an immersive, multi-sensory learning experience.

Print materials provide a tangible and physical presence that digital materials cannot replicate. This may help some students create a stronger emotional connection to the material and promote a more positive learning experience for them.

This tangibility also helps incorporate different sensory elements such as textures, smells, and colors. Students who benefit from more tactile approaches are better able to engage in the learning process. This can be particularly effective for students with learning differences, such as dyslexia.

4. Print materials can still be visually appealing.

Whether through textbooks, workbooks and worksheets, or in-class handouts, well-designed print materials can capture students' attention and spark their interest in the topic being taught. And unlike digital materials, print materials can be easier on the eyes and more comfortable to read. Students are less likely to experience eye strain and fatigue, which can detract from their ability to learn and retain information.

Incorporating eye-catching graphics, colors, and fonts can help students to stay engaged with the material. Moreover, high-quality print materials can be customized to meet the unique needs of your students. You can add notes, additional resources, and study guides to make the materials more relevant to your curriculum and your students' learning styles.

Effective Printed Materials for Schools and Universities

Students learn best by doing, and print materials can help them strengthen their skills. 

Ultimately, printed materials are a valuable asset for educators who want to help their students learn more effectively and retain information over the long term. They can improve student engagement, comprehension, and retention, while also making learning more accessible and personalized. By incorporating them into your curriculum, you can help your students to achieve their full potential.

Ready to start planning your print projects to help engage your students? Our team is standing by to help. We work with creatives, educators, and school leaders in a wide array of schools and study disciplines. Contact us today.