Should we retain the skill of handwriting?

A hand writing chemistry equations with a ball point pen

Source: © Andreea-Otilia Suiu/Royal Society of Chemistry

Discover why one teacher thinks writing by hand is vital for science learners

Handwriting has long been an essential fine motor skill for all students but, with increasing use of phones and word processors for written communication, we are in danger of losing the art. This spells trouble when it comes to sitting handwritten exams, of course, but there are more key reasons why legible handwriting is essential for chemistry students. Is it time to recover the skill?

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor. 

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.