Cursive Making a Comeback

The resurgence of cursive writing in the U.S. education system marks a significant shift from the early 2000s, when digital tools like tablets and smartphones began to dominate classroom activities. This shift away from traditional handwriting, including cursive, led to its diminished presence in educational curricula. However, recent studies have illuminated the unique benefits of handwriting, particularly cursive, in enhancing learning and retention across all age groups. As of now, 22 states have mandated cursive instruction in public schools, a notable increase from just 14 states in 2016.

Research underpinning this revival underscores the cognitive advantages of writing by hand. Brain-imaging studies on elementary-aged children reveal that handwriting activates neural circuits linked to reading comprehension more effectively than typing or tracing does. This neural activity suggests a deeper level of learning and understanding. Further research with 7th graders and adults has consistently shown that handwriting, as opposed to typing, produces neural patterns indicative of enhanced learning and retention.

The benefits of handwriting, especially cursive writing, are attributed to its multisensory learning process. This process involves a more complex motor skill set than typing, engaging the brain in ways that foster better memory and comprehension. Despite the technological advances and the introduction of AI tools like ChatGPT into educational settings, traditional writing tools like pens and pencils remain invaluable. They facilitate a range of learning activities, including annotating texts, drawing, and summarizing, that contribute to a more durable encoding of learning.

This "Cursive Comeback" reflects a broader educational trend towards integrating traditional learning methods with modern technology to optimize student learning outcomes. By reinstating cursive writing into the curriculum, educators are leveraging the cognitive benefits of handwriting to complement digital learning tools, ensuring a balanced and effective approach to education in the digital age.

Source: Edutopia Research Newsletter. "The Cursive Comeback." URL

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com