Some schools have stopped teaching handwriting skills in recent years. This trend is happening due to the increasing focus on technology in education. While there are some practical benefits to this change, I believe it is ultimately a negative development.
On the one hand, removing handwriting from the curriculum can be seen as a positive step. The main advantage is that it allows schools to prioritise digital skills, such as typing, which are essential for modern careers. In today’s workplace, most communication and work is done on computers. Therefore, students who are proficient typists will be better prepared for future employment than those who spent hours practicing cursive writing. This practical focus ensures children develop relevant competencies for a digital world.
However, the disadvantages of this trend are significant. The primary drawback is the loss of cognitive benefits linked to handwriting. Research indicates that writing by hand improves memory and helps young children learn to read more effectively than typing does. As a result, students who only use keyboards may struggle more with retaining information and developing literacy skills. Handwriting is also a personal form of expression that conveys individuality in ways typed text cannot replicate, creating a deeper connection to one’s thoughts.
In conclusion, while the move away from handwriting helps schools focus on technology, this benefit is outweighed by the negative impact on learning and personal expression. Because handwriting supports cognitive development in unique ways and preserves a meaningful mode of communication, I believe its removal from schools is a negative development overall.