The NY Times asks does handwriting matter? The Common Core standards stop teaching handwriting after the first grade, preferring a proficiency in typing after that.
However, studies are showing that children learn faster, are able to retain more information, and generate new ideas when they first learn to write by hand. The process of thinking about how to form a letter and putting it on the page stimulates more areas of the brain. This come from the inherent messiness in free-form writing, which can be a valuable learning tool.
(Score: 5, Informative) by Nerdanel on Wednesday June 04 2014, @12:58PM
Cursive was invented for writing with ink, the sort that comes in a bottle and to which a pen is dipped. You don't get so many ink blots when you keep the pen on the paper. This also makes writing with ink faster, as you don't have to be so constantly careful.
The situation is completely different with pencils and ballpoint pens. Inkblots aren't a problem. You don't have to be careful about lifting a pen; you just do it. The hand movement required to draw a letter is what matters. Flowery shapes are counterproductive for that. You can even move a pencil faster through the air than over the paper, as there is less friction and less fine motor control required. Raising and then lowering a pencil a few millimeters does take a little bit of time, but you don't need all that much distance on the paper to make up for that. You also make your pens last longer.
(Score: 1) by CoolHand on Wednesday June 04 2014, @01:46PM
+1 insightful... :)
I never looked at it from that historical perspective. I've never even heard of that reason, as I'd always heard the reason for cursive's invention being born from the "need for speed." I will have to google your perspective, to see if the all knowing interwebz agrees with this historical tidbit.
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(Score: 3, Informative) by CoolHand on Wednesday June 04 2014, @02:12PM
While doing my research, I came across the following article (and a lot of comments) that has taught me a few great points both for and against teaching cursive..
https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ball/cursive-handwriting-philip-ball/ [prospectmagazine.co.uk]
Personally, I think it should no longer be mandatory. Possibly, it could be a strongly suggested class once students can pick electives. Or possibly, it could be allowed to fulfill an art requirement.
Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job-Douglas Adams
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday June 05 2014, @04:13AM
Yes, that article makes very good points, if by "good points" you mean a giant blank white rectangle about 5000 by 500000 pixels.
(Score: 2) by kaszz on Wednesday June 04 2014, @02:20PM
Interesting perspective!
"Hey teacher, we have pencils and ballpoint pens these days if you missed it.. doh!"
Pencils - discovered 1565, in wide use since 1790
Ballpoint - Launched 1888
Will it take more than 224 years to update curriculum? ;-)
What feature will these calculators sized as big as a house using copious amount of staff and electricity have? ha! All students must learn to be the fastest slide ruler [wikipedia.org] calculator they can or they won't have any career .. You must also learn to respect the all important bean counters, they rule everything. Or do you expect to bring that calculator house with you in your pocket and ask others for help from it? ;)
(Score: 2) by frojack on Thursday June 05 2014, @12:32AM
Plus 1.
When choosing a pen, I favor those brands that have the LEAST rolling resistance. (PaperMate InkJoy is one of my current favorite el-cheapo (don't care if I lose it) pens. I could care less how long they last. There's 7 more in the box just like the last one.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.