Tossing Out Cursive? Lower Saxony Education Council Thinks So, But Not So Fast, Says Minister
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Rejecting Cursive Instruction: Education Minister's Opposition - Education Minister openly opposes the proposed plan.
In a shake-up of school norms, the Lower Saxony State School Council (LSR) proposes to bin compulsory cursive handwriting in classrooms. According to LSR chairman Matteo Feind, "Cursive isn't a symbol of intellect, but more often an obstacle to a clear, personal handwriting." Print suffices.
In a world where digital literacy, communication, and creativity hold sway, the antiquated requirement of cursive connected script could be a relic of the past. With keyboard skills fast becoming the backbone of written communication, the LSR argues that it's wiser to concentrate on honing digital writing skills over cursive.
Minister: Embrace the Blend
Education Minister Julia Willie Hamburg, however, remains unconvinced by this proposal. "It's imperative that children still learn to write correctly," said the Green politician. Good penmanship and digital dexterity go hand in hand.
Moreover, learning various writing styles yields cognitive benefits for young learners. "People frequently question me about why children still need to write in the fifth and sixth grades, and if they can just type on these tools," stated Hamburg. Ultimately, it's the balance that matters. "Thus, we will continue this practice in Lower Saxony," Willie emphasized.
"LSR Misfires"
On the other hand, the Association of Education and Education (VBE) in Lower Saxony took issue with the proposal. "The state school council undervalues the substantial importance of handwriting in the overall educational journey for children and youth," voiced state chairman Franz- Josef Meyer.
Print may not suffice to equip children with fluency and individuality in their writing - "the state school council is off-target," said Meyer. Scrapping cursive could spell catastrophic consequences for writing development and competence.
Children must develop their own handwriting
According to the Ministry of Education, kids first learn print in elementary school. The clear script aids reading and writing skills development. By the end of the 4th grade, students should be able to write a personal, flowing handwriting effortlessly - cursive.
Connected doesn't necessarily demand visible links between letters, according to the Ministry of Education. Primarily, it's crucial that students develop a legible, unique handwriting style of their own.
- Lower Saxony
- Education Minister
- School Instruction
- Hamburg
- Hannover
- Children
- Education
- Julia Willie
The Bottom Line
Despite discussions on the relevance of cursive handwriting in today's digital world, specific data on debates or ministerial stances regarding the abolition of mandatory cursive handwriting in Lower Saxony, Germany is scarce. Investigating broader educational reforms or regional educational policies in Germany may provide more insights into the current state of handwriting instruction in the country. It appears that the emphasis in Lower Saxony schools continues to be on developing a unique, legible handwriting for students.
- Engaging in a heated debate within the community policy, Education Minister Julia Willie Hamburg is advocating for the continuation of cursive handwriting in Lower Saxony schools, arguing that it still plays a crucial role in children's education and self-development.
- Alongside digital literacy and political discourse, the debate about the necessity of vocational training, particularly in the realm of education and self-development, is also favoring a concentration on improving children's handwriting skills, both print and cursive, acknowledging the general-news that Lower Saxony is still prioritizing the development of a unique, legible handwriting style.
