I ran across this interesting tidbit from an Australian newspaper http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/computers-are-killing-students-handwriting-skills/story-e6freuy9-1226077713500. (June 19, 2011)
The author, Laura Speranza of the the Sunday Telegraph discusses concerns Sydney high school administrators are having as students prepare for what sounds like our version of the ACT. A portion of the test is written which is where the problem arises. Students who are now typing assignments are expected to use pen and pencil on the test. And most have poor handwriting skills.
I was intrigued that places outside of the United States were grappling with some of the same issues. This handwriting issue creeps into teacher's lounges at least 3 or 4 times a year. Being the technology teacher I am the "enemy" when it comes to the demise of handwriting.
But here is a thought: What is the goal of these tests? Is it to assess the knowledge base of students or is it the ability of the students to hand write responses. Is the handwriting interfering in the students' ability to get their message across? Maybe the way the test is administered needs to be changed to reflect the way students are taught to express their ideas.
I come from a generation that had to spend hours methodically creating beautiful cursive letters. I was one of the lucky ones who embraced this art form and excelled in this area. But I knew so many children who were punished for bad handwriting. Hours of practice and rewriting never made it better. Some were prolific writers and yet they were graded lower because of penmanship. But then came the type writer and every one was on an even plane.
What I also think is interesting is watching students who use the keyboard most of the time and when they "write" it is fast and fluid on the keyboard. If they are taught to type correctly then their ideas can flow from their fingers and it is as effortless as if a pen was in their hands. I spent several years handwriting papers and then typing them out because that was how I was comfortable writing. Now I do not have to do that and I do not feel my writing has suffered. I also had to print out the article to read them because I had difficulty reading off the monitor. But that has changed as well. (I am sure the trees are breathing a sigh of relief.)
So do I believe schools should forsake handwriting skills? No, one still needs to be able to communicate with handwriting, for now. But educators must address the way students learn and accommodate the changes that is occurring in learning through technology.
I could totally relate with the points you made in your blog! Handwriting is such an issue in our school district. Just like at your school, the big debate comes up a few times every year: What should we do about penmanship? Should we devote more time to it; when should cursive writing be taught; what style of handwriting should be taught; should be require cursive-only writing after third grade...the list goes on and on. And after all the debate, the students still, for the most part, have horrible handwriting.
ReplyDeleteI for one, feel students need to be able to write legibly. As a fifth grade teacher, I don't care if they use cursive or not, I always tell them, "Just use your best handwriting." How often are we, as adults in the work world, called upon to use an extensive amount of handwriting, least of all cursive? As technology evolves, more and more adults (and children) are typing on computers, iPads, and cell phones. Handwriting is just not as necessary, and therefore I think, not as valued in the real world. Again, we do need to be able to write legibly; I don't think that will ever go away entirely.
I could also see myself in your comments about evolving with the use of technology. I, too, used to have to handwrite first, then type. I also used to print everything that I wanted to read. Times have changed, though, and fortunately I have changed with them!
I am the poster child for "what will I be when I grow up?" I was the one who wanted to be a "cash register lady" because I wanted to push button. Now I click and I am happy as a clam. I am thrilled every time I move forward and evolve my teaching to reach children.
ReplyDeleteInteresting points made and I can see how some people would be worried about handwriting's demise. However, the reality of it is that typing / keyboarding on the computer (or phone) is the more prevalent way that people are communicating and it should be embraced rather than shunned.
ReplyDeleteACT testing should seriously look into creating tests that would align more with how our students think / operate. Tests on the computer and typing the response on a secure site should start to be examined by the ACT Testing group. People write a lot faster and more fluidly on the computer, and I think they'd be able to more accurately express their thoughts on ideas.
It'll be interesting to see what happens. Now, the real question is this: in 50 years, will there be libraries?
What a true part of education today. We see handwriting for students as no longer a necessity, but rather a useful tool, if you have it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that typing for some students allows them to focus on the content and gets them away from the struggle of physically writing their thoughts. I know that if I take a student who hates to write and let them use the computer, they do a lot better. Typing takes away the stress of forming letters and words.
I also agree that maybe tests need to catch up to the times of technology. They can always use a program that does not have all the bells and whistles. Maybe a simple notepad program that would allow students to type and then print. It is not like they are grading students who take this test on the physical aspect, so why should that be a factor that could cause them to not pass.
Great choice of article!
I just had an intense discussion with one of my teaching partners about whether or not to teach the students how to write in cursive. I teach fourth grade and they learn how to write in cursive at our school in the third grade. Although I believe cursive is important (ie, signing your name) I don't think that we as teachers should spend lots of class time teaching how to write in cursive. I rarely use cursive, only to sign my name. I believe more time should be spent with our students learning how to type. My fellow teacher diagrees. I spent more time in the computer lab teaching my students how to type and her student were working on their cursive...
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to hear other's thoughts on this topic. :)
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