Too Much Computer and Too Little Teaching Causing Bad Handwriting in Students

A study has claimed that pupils' joined-up handwriting is deteriorating, as they learn to type on a keyboard even before putting pen to paper.

Poor teaching, where vital developmental stages are being skipped, and extreme reliance on computers are two primary reasons that account for the situation.

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Many children who do not even master the basic skills of writing by the time they start their A-levels, show absolute expertise at texting and communicating online.

Most of the examiners complain that some A-level and GCSE scripts are illegible, while pupil referrals to occupational therapists for handwriting difficulties are now "widespread".

"Some teachers, especially in the younger age bracket, argue that it is a waste of time teaching joined-up handwriting because soon 'everyone will be doing everything on computers'," the Daily Mail quoted Ian Toone, of the Voice teaching union, as saying.

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"Other teachers believe that joined-up writing is more efficient than print and aids fluency of expression and speed of thought.

"Practising handwriting helps children learn letters and shapes, and can improve the creation and expression of ideas and help to develop fine motor skills, much more so than using a keyboard.

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"The secondary curriculum only requires children to write legibly, rather than cursively (joined-up).

"Most examinations at GCSE and A-level are still taken using paper and pen so pupils cannot afford to give up on writing before they leave school," he added.

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Source-ANI