Andrade, J. (2010) What does doodling do? Practice Exam

Doodling can be beneficial during lectures primarily because it helps maintain engagement and focus. When students doodle, they are engaging in a low-level motor activity that occupies part of their attention. This allows their minds to stay engaged with the lecture content without being overwhelmed. Research has shown that such activities can facilitate better retention of information, as they help prevent mind wandering and promote a level of cognitive processing that enhances understanding. Thus, doodling serves as a tool to bolster concentration and ensure that students remain attentive to the material being presented.

While doodling might seem like a distraction, it actually aids in the learning process by providing a constructive outlet for excess energy or boredom, maintaining cognitive engagement with the lecture rather than allowing the mind to drift elsewhere.