Finals season is here, and students everywhere are glued to their devices, striving for that elusive perfect score. Yet, a recent study indicates that all this tech might actually hinder learning—students using traditional pen and paper for notes retain more info than those typing away on laptops. In many ways, our study habits in the ‘80s were superior. Sure, we lacked Wi-Fi, Wikipedia, or WhatsApp, but here’s what we had:
Our Trapper Keepers Were a Statement
A Trapper Keeper was more than a mere binder; it was your identity. Each one sported vibrant colors or funky designs straight out of a neon dream—think flamingos or race cars. Everyone recognized your unique style.
We Had Study Parties—Over the Phone
No GroupMe or endless text chains. Instead, there was that one friend with a party line, allowing three of us to huddle around the phone to tackle quadratic equations. It was a social event and a study session rolled into one.
The Library Was Our Sanctuary
After a quick touch-up with Revlon’s Silver City Pink lipstick in the restroom, we’d hit the library. Armed with our card catalog skills, we dove into research topics, all while keeping an eye on the stacks for any romantic escapades. It was a much more engaging experience than today’s Google searches.
Notes Passed Like Currency—Sometimes with Answers
There was nothing quite like the thrill of successfully passing a note during class. Sure, most contained teenage gossip, but occasionally, they also held vital info about the Thirty Years’ War—making them the ultimate multitasking tool.
Wite-Out Was Our Best Friend
Without Wite-Out, I might still be rewriting essays on A Separate Peace in black felt-tip pen, desperately attempting to correct every mistake. Thank goodness for that little white-out bottle!
Studying During TV Time
Whether it was Dirty Dancing, Santa Barbara, or the MTV Top 20, our study sessions often doubled as binge-watching parties. No one monitored our screen time back then; it was all about balance.
Personalized Cursive Notes
After enduring the rigid rules of our third-grade teachers, we blossomed into our unique cursive styles, often adding personal touches like hearts over our i’s. This made taking notes on subjects like the Krebs Cycle a little less tedious, even if our hands ached.
An Abundance of School Supplies
We thrived on an array of specialized supplies—index cards in various sizes, highlighters, and even erasable pens. We were practically the economy’s backbone, keeping local stores like CVS thriving.
While our approach to studying might seem quaint by today’s standards, it was filled with creativity, social interaction, and a touch of rebellion. If you’re interested in exploring further on home insemination or parenting tips, check out our blog here. Also, for more insights on artificial insemination, visit Make A Mom—they’re a great resource. Finally, for those considering pregnancy options, the Fertility Center at Johns Hopkins is an excellent place to start.
In summary, studying in the ’80s may have lacked the digital conveniences of today, but our methods fostered a unique blend of creativity and camaraderie that often led to lasting memories.