Is Learning by Drawing Worth the Time and Effort?

• In Event: Motivation and Cognition in Learning and Instruction

Abstract

Two experiments compared the effects of drawing to studying instructor-provided visuals on learning outcomes and learning efficiency. In Experiment 1 (N = 107), students studied provided visuals or drew with or without support. Results showed no differences across groups in learning outcomes but studying provided visuals was significantly more efficient than drawing. Experiment 2 (N = 85) provided students with a stronger drawing support. The supported drawing group outperformed the provided visuals group on comprehension, but not on transfer. Furthermore, studying provided visuals was significantly more efficient on transfer, but not on comprehension. These findings suggest that learning by drawing—even with strong instructional support—may not be worth the added time and effort to achieve similar learning outcomes as studying instructor-provided visuals.

Authors

• Qian Zhang, University of Georgia

• Logan Fiorella, University of Georgia