Scientific Projects
National Survey on problems with writing motor skills and handwriting
Objectives: |
A nationwide inventory of the extent and the reasons for problems with handwriting; calling attention to the problems with handwriting |
Method: | online questionnaire at www.4teachers.de: questionnaires tailored to the relevant type of school (Sample: 772 primary school teachers and 1230 secondary school teachers from all over Germany) |
Background: |
For some time now, educators, parents and school pupils have reported serious problems associated with the process of learning to write. There was, however, hardly any empirical data on the nature and extent of these problems until now. For that reason, we scientists from the Schreibmotorik Institut, together with the German Union of Teachers (DL), conducted a survey. This survey, “Problems in handwriting development – extent, causes and possible courses of action”, is the first of its kind in Germany. For the first time, qualified statements can be made on the development of handwriting in schools. |
Results: |
We received the most answers from North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony. Participation was relatively equal across all year groups. The survey makes one thing clear: problems with handwriting in schools are increasing. Problem description:
Effects on general performance at school: Causes: Possible courses of action: “Learning to write by hand is important” or even “very important” – that was the view of 98 per cent of teachers surveyed. |
Publications/Links: |
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Period: | September 2014 - March 2015 |
Partner: | German Teacher's Association![]() |