In the past few weeks, I've noticed a trend in a few industries. When I meet people in person in order to inquire about a service or program, I've noticed the use (or lack of) the mighty pen.
When I first entered college, much of the work that had to be done by a student utilized a writing utensil. I recall buying a set of textbooks and half sized college ruled notebooks to take my lecture notes in. Fortunately for me, my handwriting and note taking ability captured the attention of professors and they recommended that I sell my notes to other students in class. Writing and handwriting (in my family) was a representation of your family, education, and upbringing. Nowadays it is something that people ridicule in the face of technology.
Over the course of 6 weeks, I've conducted a study to see occupations that use writing utensils and those who do not. Here is what I have found:
Many Professional Industries (High level - such as physicians, attorneys, high performing consultants) still use writing utensils. Given the fact that they have a good grasp of their writing abilities and focus on the process of information gathering, they are able to write with a high percentage of fluency.
Mid-level Professionals to Lower Level Professionals (Banking professionals, medical center staff, retail workers) often times do not have writing utensils at their disposal. They are required to use computers to automate their work processes and lack the technical know how to creatively come up with solutions.
What impact does this have on our current education climate? If we continue to not require students to learn the art and importance of handwriting, they may lose the ability to take notes, doodle, and creatively come up with solutions that they may not have been able to do if they are writing. In writing words and expressing their ideas, they can watch their mind unfold (and develop better fine motor skills).
When I first entered college, much of the work that had to be done by a student utilized a writing utensil. I recall buying a set of textbooks and half sized college ruled notebooks to take my lecture notes in. Fortunately for me, my handwriting and note taking ability captured the attention of professors and they recommended that I sell my notes to other students in class. Writing and handwriting (in my family) was a representation of your family, education, and upbringing. Nowadays it is something that people ridicule in the face of technology.
Over the course of 6 weeks, I've conducted a study to see occupations that use writing utensils and those who do not. Here is what I have found:
Many Professional Industries (High level - such as physicians, attorneys, high performing consultants) still use writing utensils. Given the fact that they have a good grasp of their writing abilities and focus on the process of information gathering, they are able to write with a high percentage of fluency.
Mid-level Professionals to Lower Level Professionals (Banking professionals, medical center staff, retail workers) often times do not have writing utensils at their disposal. They are required to use computers to automate their work processes and lack the technical know how to creatively come up with solutions.
What impact does this have on our current education climate? If we continue to not require students to learn the art and importance of handwriting, they may lose the ability to take notes, doodle, and creatively come up with solutions that they may not have been able to do if they are writing. In writing words and expressing their ideas, they can watch their mind unfold (and develop better fine motor skills).
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