Comparison of cursive handwriting instruction programs among students without identified problems

Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2009;29(2):170-81. doi: 10.1080/01942630902784738.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of cursive handwriting programs in improving letter legibility and form in third-grade students without identified handwriting problems. Four months into the school year, cursive handwriting was assessed for a sample of convenience of 50 third-grade students. Subsequently, students received instruction for 10-15 minutes daily for 6 weeks using either Handwriting without Tears, Loops and Other Groups programs, or, as a control condition, continued instruction in the Zaner-Bloser program. Student handwriting for all programs improved from pretest to posttest. Posttest comparisons indicated no significant differences between programs. The results suggest that the method of handwriting instruction has a limited short-term impact on cursive letter legibility and form for children without handwriting problems.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Curriculum / statistics & numerical data
  • Educational Measurement / methods*
  • Female
  • Handwriting*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Skills
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Program Evaluation / methods*
  • Reference Values
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • Task Performance and Analysis*