Higher handwriting speed contributes to greater fluency in writing without loss of legibility and can influence competence in composing. Improved handwriting speed plays an important role in learning to compose and enhances composing ability to express knowledge about different subjects.
In addition, writing researchers have indicated that slow handwriting can restrict the ease with which competence in composing is obtained and difficulties in acquiring handwriting speed may lead to avoiding writing and developing a mind-set leading to slow writing development. Handwriting fluency can affect completing written assignments, ability to take notes during lectures and frequency of writing (Berninger et al, 1998).
The use of fixed-time national examinations to assess ability and express knowledge adequately in a timed examination has been employed in schools for many years. However, for students with difficulties associated with the techniques of producing written output (e.g. those who are dyslexic, and others with slow processing rates) the true assessment of subject knowledge may be masked by their inability to express themselves adequately on paper in a set time (Bishop & Esgate 2001).
Handwriting difficulties cause difficulty when extensive writing is required and can undermine student's real potential. Since large amounts of time in school is still taken up with recording in writing the lack of handwriting speed can lead to loss of motivation and evading of school work (Hedderly, 1992).
Existing research suggests (Alston, 1995) that handwriting speed can be a factor in scholastic achievement and a speed under 12 words per minute severely disables results and a significant extension time is needed to perform tasks requiring handwriting skills. As evidenced by various research studies:
Handwriting speed is a factor in student achievement, regardless of ability.
Students achieving higher-than-expected English language grades tended to write at a higher speed than those who underachieved.
At all ability levels students who achieved higher-than-expected English grades had a better handwriting style than those who underachieved. The evidence from various studies suggested that handwriting quality and quantity are strongly associated with examination achievement.
Slow hand writers had problems with poor motor co-ordination, spelling, letter formation, word shapes and discrimination between upper and lower case.
There was a correlation between speed and Reading/Spelling age. It was found that an increase in speed of 3 to 4 wpm corresponded on average to an increase in Reading/Spelling age of 3 - 4 months.
A student's inability to record information in a coherent and legible form can impede their progress, which can then lead to frustration and possibly disaffection with a system where in the majority of cases assessment is linked to the written word. Handwriting difficulties can therefore be handicapping and as such can undermine academic progress across the ability range and interfere with learning.
Having the option to present or record responses in a range of written 'codes' reveals a true potential and provides much stronger motivation.
Using abbreviations can improve handwriting legibility, style and motivation to write. Writing fewer characters for each word leaves more time to concentrate on legibility and handwriting style. In turn, more legible writing leads to less frustration in reading of written material, more willingness to write and additional time to study. Also, writing words in abbreviated form saves time when copious is performed. EasyScript has been proven that handwriting speed of 40 words per minute can be attained in 2 hours.
No need to spend months learning traditional shorthand and speedwriting.
No extensive rote memorization is required.
EasyScript method is easy to learn and use.
90% user satisfaction since 1990.
User-friendly rules to tailor to your style and application.
ComputerScript software transcribes abbreviations into readable text.
EasyScript Express is a top-selling book in US and abroad.
EasyScript and ComputerScript use identical rules.
Recommended by Fortune 500 companies, schools and government agencies.
"I didn't expect it to be so simple. I'm very comfortable with this concept and looking forward to implement it at work and my personal writing. When applied, it will cut writing time in half." - John Glassman, Detroit, MI
"It's a great course. Most definitely the easiest way to write with speed. It was easy to learn and I'm glad I found it. Information will be of great value to me professionally and personally. Computer aided transcription makes it even more valuable." - Jennifer DeFazio, Portland, ME
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