Menu
09/06/2006
Handwriting 'ignored' in schools, survey claims
Many primary schools do not have consistent handwriting policies and practices to ensure that children learn to write fluently, legibly and quickly, a survey has claimed.
The study by London University's Institute of Education surveyed 39 large and small urban and rural primary schools in southeast England with varied socio-economic and ethnic pupil populations.
The researchers found that while most of the schools had a designated person responsible for handwriting and a written handwriting policy, a quarter of schools had one without the others.
Over half the teachers surveyed felt that they had not received sufficient training in the teaching of handwriting and only a third had been shown how to teach handwriting in their initial teacher training course.
The study also found that although most schools taught handwriting as a separate subject, less than half set aside time specifically for practice.
Only a fifth of schools with handwriting policies taught children ways of increasing their speed, which researchers said could affect their future performance in exams, while little attention was given to ergonomic features, with only 13% of schools considering the size of the furniture relative to the size of the child.
Only 45% of schools communicated with parents about the school's methods of teaching handwriting or particular children's progress.
Researchers also said that there was very limited awareness of the needs of children used to writing in a different script, with only four schools in the survey including some consideration of how to accommodate them.
Researchers warned that children who did not learn how to write legibly, fluently and quickly might find it difficult to cope with the demands of both secondary school and university.
They also warned that poor handwriting skills may be just as much of a handicap in the jobs market as poor reading and numeracy skills.
Researcher Rhonda Stainthorp said: "Unless children learn to write legibly and at speed, their educational achievements may be reduced and their self-esteem affected. Handwriting is an essential skill for everyone, even in this age of computer technology."
(KMcA)
The study by London University's Institute of Education surveyed 39 large and small urban and rural primary schools in southeast England with varied socio-economic and ethnic pupil populations.
The researchers found that while most of the schools had a designated person responsible for handwriting and a written handwriting policy, a quarter of schools had one without the others.
Over half the teachers surveyed felt that they had not received sufficient training in the teaching of handwriting and only a third had been shown how to teach handwriting in their initial teacher training course.
The study also found that although most schools taught handwriting as a separate subject, less than half set aside time specifically for practice.
Only a fifth of schools with handwriting policies taught children ways of increasing their speed, which researchers said could affect their future performance in exams, while little attention was given to ergonomic features, with only 13% of schools considering the size of the furniture relative to the size of the child.
Only 45% of schools communicated with parents about the school's methods of teaching handwriting or particular children's progress.
Researchers also said that there was very limited awareness of the needs of children used to writing in a different script, with only four schools in the survey including some consideration of how to accommodate them.
Researchers warned that children who did not learn how to write legibly, fluently and quickly might find it difficult to cope with the demands of both secondary school and university.
They also warned that poor handwriting skills may be just as much of a handicap in the jobs market as poor reading and numeracy skills.
Researcher Rhonda Stainthorp said: "Unless children learn to write legibly and at speed, their educational achievements may be reduced and their self-esteem affected. Handwriting is an essential skill for everyone, even in this age of computer technology."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 June 2010
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
29 January 2004
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
01 March 2005
Gang culture 'widespread', schools report finds
Gang culture is 'perceived to be widespread' in England's schools, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has found. The education watchdog said that one in five of the secondary schools visited reported that problems with gangs were perceived although few schools had firm evidence of it.
Gang culture 'widespread', schools report finds
Gang culture is 'perceived to be widespread' in England's schools, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has found. The education watchdog said that one in five of the secondary schools visited reported that problems with gangs were perceived although few schools had firm evidence of it.
16 February 2005
Specialist schools improving faster than other schools
Specialist schools are performing better than other schools in England, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has reported. The education watchdog found that pupils in specialist schools have performed better at GCSEs since 1998 and the rate of improvement in GCSE results was also faster in these schools.
Specialist schools improving faster than other schools
Specialist schools are performing better than other schools in England, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has reported. The education watchdog found that pupils in specialist schools have performed better at GCSEs since 1998 and the rate of improvement in GCSE results was also faster in these schools.
30 June 2015
Pupil Premium Impact Will Take Time - NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said the full impact of allocating money to schools for poorer pupils 'will take time'. The department's report said the Pupil Premium has 'potential' to bring about a more significant improvement in outcomes. However, it added there was still 'more to do' by schools and government.
Pupil Premium Impact Will Take Time - NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said the full impact of allocating money to schools for poorer pupils 'will take time'. The department's report said the Pupil Premium has 'potential' to bring about a more significant improvement in outcomes. However, it added there was still 'more to do' by schools and government.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
