Handwriting Speeds of 4th–8th Grade Students

Abstract

For the effective expression of feelings and thoughts, handwriting should be produced fluently at a certain speed. The aim of this study was to examine the development of handwriting speeds in 4th–8th grade primary and secondary school students in terms of somevariables. In line with this aim, answers were sought to the question, “Do 4th–8th grade primary and secondary school students’ handwriting speeds differ significantly depending on their grade, gender, hand preference, and handwriting style?” The study was designed inthe survey method, and the study group consisted of 322 students attending the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades of primary and secondary school. A form developed by the researchers for all grade levels was usedas the data collection tool in the study. In the data collection process, the students were required to copy a given text within one minute. The research results revealed that while the primary and secondary school students’ handwriting speeds differed significantly according to their grade level, gender, and handwriting style, they did not differ significantly according to their hand preferences. As the grade level increased, mean handwriting speeds also increased. Female students wrote faster than male students. Students using the manuscript handwriting style wrote faster than students who used the cursive handwriting style.