When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone? Some may answer, “never,” while others begin to reflect on days long ago. Our reliance on phones, tablets and computers fundamentally changed how we communicate with others. Yet many argue that there is still a place for good, old-fashioned handwriting.
Increased Learning
As computers became smaller and portable, teachers in middle and high schools and colleges noticed that students were taking notes on their laptops. Research into this practice is not favorable. When students type their notes during discussions, they tend to hear and type while not really attempting to digest the information. The result is a long document summarizing everything teachers say rather than primarily important or salient points. When students study those notes, they often struggle to remember and understand essential elements, or they’re hard to find within the lengthy document.
On the other hand, physically writing notes has been shown to increase learning and memory. Most people can’t write as fast as they hear. So, we tend to paraphrase larger amounts of information into smaller amounts that make sense to us. There’s also something critical about the physical act of writing notes. It forces us to listen, process and physically reproduce content, increasing learning, understanding and retention. Handwritten notes are also easier to use when studying because only the most critical points are included, and they’re already provided in a way that makes sense to the student. Legible and fluent handwriting provides the foundation for this type of note-taking and learning.
Personal and Practical
While technology provides a quick and relatively easy way to communicate, it is not always available or the best approach. Whether you’re writing a thank you note, a birthday wish or a sympathy card, the personal nature of a written message still holds value. At other times, handwriting may be required. Consider the forms we complete at a doctor’s office or how often we sign our names.
What Schools Teach
Florida schools are required to teach handwriting and cursive in elementary grades. First and second graders learn to print letters legibly, while third through fifth graders learn fluent and legible cursive writing. By the time students enter middle school, they are expected to write in both print and cursive as needed. However, outside of note-taking, most assignments allow students to use and submit work that has been typed. In fact, in high school, many teachers require students to submit assignments electronically.
The outcome is mixed. Technology has the potential to help students become better writers, communicate their thoughts and ideas more clearly and make it easier for teachers to provide feedback and grades to students. But it also limits the continued practice and use of those handwriting and cursive skills learned in earlier grades.
How You Can Help
Handwriting is still essential. However, it has become a challenge to maintain those skills as teens mature. Encourage your teen to continue writing. Have them complete forms independently. Give them blank cards to write to grandparents for holidays. Remind them to sign their name anytime it’s appropriate. Consider giving them a journal so they can take advantage of the mental processing that occurs when they physically write. Finally, let them see you writing and write messages to them. They’ll likely think it’s corny, but years from now, those notes will become cherished memories for you both.
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