Cursive Writing

[Ram Kumar]

Dear All,

We have started an internal debate within our schools and seek your views on the same.

• Do we need to continue the practice of cursive writing in our Nursery/ primary schools?
• What needs to be primary focus with respect to Children Hand writing 'beauty of handwriting' or  'writing efficiently'?
• What needs to be emphasized  (Process/Content/form) while  helping a child to lean hand writing?

 Please share your responses, if possible  web links/source materials for further reading to ramk...@svym.org.in

Regards,

Ramkumar

--

N.Ramkumar
Educaton Co-ordinator,
Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement,
Hanchipura Road,Sargur,H.D.Kote Taluk,
Mysore-571 121. Karnataka.
Mobile-9900094271
www.svym.org

[Roopashri Gowda]

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[Tharanath Achar]

Dear Ramkumar Sir and all online, Following is my own view regarding writing in italics or cursive. I am a strong supporter of italic style for reasons that the draft scribbled with it  looks comfortable to the eye  compared to the one written in cursive style, which seem to have evolved for quick preparation of text and is  dying out elsewhere for it is getting too ugly these days because of onslaught of ballpoint pen era. My opinion, suggestion and experience  may not match with that of you all and as I am not a language teacher, and  you don't have to follow or endorse anything expressed here.
   I had been  taught writing in italic style during 1979-80. My teacher Mr. Walter J Pinto was highly reputed for his beautiful and legible handwriting among teachers here, in both italics and cursive, but he was a staunch supporter of the former. I can still remember him often  bringing splinter sticks  and cutting them almost at 45 degrees, dipping them in blue ink pot, writing beautiful letters in our copy books! This style was in vogue those days and we were somehow coerced to follow this, though we were asking teachers to teach us 'running letters'. My English handwriting is still beautiful owing to the efforts of my teachers, even my students praise me now for that whenever I happened write on the blackboard! The letters look almost like our Kannada script.
I met Mr. Walter J Pinto  especially for asking his suggestions regarding questions writing this part of the message.
   He is of the opinion that it is good to discontinue the practice of writing in cursive style as the handwriting may become too illegible to read in the long run. The cursive style should  be practised with the aid of ink pen and need to be continued with that. The primary focus need to be on writing efficiently.

     Personally I dislike cursive handwriting  for its ugly looks. But one thing I researched about handwriting over the years is that you can write legibly and beautifully only if you have a strong and  live intention while writing. Please check this point next time you write notes. Again- you keep on wishing your letters to become beautiful and attractive all the while you are writing. Your fingers understand your intention and obey your thoughts. As a result your handwriting looks smart. Try this idea please and reply to this mail.
Please follow the links for the first part of this message.
   Regards.

http://www.handwritingsuccess.com/italic-handwriting-series.php

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2011/08/yes_its_time_to_stop_one_form.html

--

[Guru ಗುರು]

I think cursive writing is very useful for speedy writing, since we do
not need to take the pen from the paper for each letter. This speedens
up writing a lot
I think people write in cursive in Kannada also?
regards
Guru
ps - my own writing is now completely illegible,even for me!! whether i
write cursive or not. that is the unfortunate effect of using the
computer for all my writing...

Gurumurthy Kasinathan Director, IT for Change | Tel:98454 37730 ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ

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[Raghavendra Nagappa]

I solely agree with Mr.Tharanath because while writing in cursive students make unnecessarily strokes which make the beginners to run away from writing tasks.As much the matter considred with the beginners that to our K.G students feel its more problematic as it need repeated strokes to write a letter. We the teacher should think that writing task is to be a pleasureful task for kids. But we have made this as a punishment. we give writing task as a punishment to the children. How do they enjoy there writing when it is punishment. Whether cursive or italics students should maintain legibility and they should enjoy there writing and we can add that maintain nee ness. like this

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[Johnson Dcunha]

There may be advantages and disadvantages in making children write cursive letters.

In reality, the learning process involves a lot of difficulties. We cannot ignore the need of the child for his/her future. When I was a student, I went through 2 situations. In 5^th standard, I was forced to follow cursive letter writing. In the upper classes I enjoyed my writing and I was comfortable later on. But when I reached to 9^th std, a teacher came from other school upon transfer, could not understand my cursive handwriting. I was again forced to change my style. It was very difficult to change again. Yet, I changed my handwriting. Today, for my advantage, I am having both ways of handwriting.

I agree with both ideas expressed here. I believe that there may be an easier way to teach cursive handwriting as well.

Regards,

Johnson Dcunha

Naravi High School

http://nhs.net.in

[Johnson Dcunha]

[Rashmi achar]

Dear friends
I strongly believe that cursive handwriting should be practised at kg
level itself ,bcz cursive has its own beauty.
With regards,
Rashmi adarsh

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[Yogesh योगि]

Same with me too sir. At first I started with cursive handwriting in 3-4th standard since it looked beautiful. But then I changed it since I couldn't pick up more speed when I reached higher classes and now I am having both ways of handwriting. In my opinion, I feel its easy to learn cursive handwriting.


regards,
yogi

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[Tharanath Achar]

Dear friends,
I hope this discussion will be continued for quite sometime to arrive at a conclusion. The contributors need to provide suitable links to support their arguments or write in details. Many posts have been read over the last few days, each having its own slant: mine is not an exception!  I still think the good idea is to start italic style and it itself will land the students in italic cursive style. If the child is introduced to cursive style in the beginning, it will go to such an extent that it will illegible to himself in the long run, please remember what Guru Sir is uncomfortable with now. Following is excerpt from a site that follows that. As an Indian and having accustomed to Indian style of writing alphabets, I think it is not our business to safeguard a culture originated in other countries. It is similar to the spoken way of English in India: it is utterly different from the way the British or American speak.
   Please read the following.
"The original purpose of cursive
handwriting was supposedly that you could write more quickly. Another reason is that in old times, when people wrote with a quill, cursive writing meant that they did not need to lift their
quill from the paper, thereby avoiding smudges and spots on the page. Of course, this is no longer an issue.
In the 16th-17th centuries, cursive writing was seen as being a more official and proper way to write and as such, was taught in schools"
http://writers.stackexchange.com/questions/2852/is-there-any-point-in-learning-to-write-in-cursive
   
  I think you might have read that  Medical Council of India directed doctors use block letters to prescribe medicine to patients.  Physicians take cursive writing to the extremes and bring about worst chaos! Please follow the links. As you all know I am a maths teacher and my arguments in this forum need not be followed if there are  good guidelines from the department regarding handwriting against my views.
Regards.
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/mci-tells-doctors-use-block-letters-when-you-write-prescriptions/
http://jp29.org/itbasics.htm

[Johnson Dcunha]

Well, there are personal opinions. I hope that there should not be any arguments here. The uniformity in teaching the writing patterns is to be observed in all the schools. As we need not uphold the glory of foreign culture, the confusing trends may create greater damage to the learners. As English teaching has become the important part of school education, there shall be a clearcut resolution about the trends to follow.
There may be several instances where the learning process has suffered the pain of changing the writing styles according to the demands of so called scholars.
If it is italics that has to be followed, make it universal to all school.
I do not take openions or proof as a consideration for accepting the relavence in implementing the writing styles. I consider the real need of such measures that may create better use of the language, literature and associated communication capabilities which are essentially required for the Nation 's prosperity irrespective of its origins of culture. For many nations, the English language is a business language, but they have their national language as well. Some nations do not use English at all in their internal aspects. But they use it for global aspects as the means of communication.
India has its own educational objectives clearly emphasising the need of this English language. Based on this objective, the extents of learning English literature was determined. And based on these determined points, the curriculum was set. Now if we just open any university level English text book, we will know how much of English culture, plays, novels and other literature is absorbed into Indian curriculum. All these learning initiates at the K.G level or at 5th std.
Therefore, it is harder to say that the heritage of cursive handwriting is only limited to the ancient tools used, or it can be regarded as the followed up tradition of English teaching.
Even the writing trends are changing to typing and voice to text, we can at least hope that cursive texts may be found in musiums of the future, not for sure.

Regards

Johnson Dcunha
Naravi High School

http://NHS.NET.IN/

[Kumara Swamy]

The discussions on writing style is quite interesting.  I would like to bring the following to the notice of all my colleagues across the state.

1. We write for others to read.  If others are not able to read,  the very purpose of writing fails.

2. When we talk about good handwriting we essentially mean legibility,  uniformity and spacing between words  and lines.

I am not for compelling anyone to change his/her style if his/her hand is legible enough.  However,  we have been recommending italic style in Karnataka for sometime now.  Our resource book for class I is printed in italic style.  Once children develop a legible style,  they also have the option to go for joined writing.  After all handwriting is an expression of  one's personality, preferences and thinking style.  So our business as teachers would be to show them options with the minimum condition that they must opt for a style that can be easily read by others.  I know students who have written their MA Eng exams in unjoined italics.  I also have examples of students starting with italics in Dec and writing their +2 exams in March with a fully developed style of writing.  What is required is motivation on the part of the student to be understood by others while communicating.  

But it would be good to tell them that they don't mix up styles.   Cursive basically means joined writing.  Italic style also provides for joining letters under certain conditions.  So it is necessary that the learners/teachers are clear about their objectives.  

It is always good for Eng teachers to write in unjoined italic on the blackboard.

For more information and interesting details you can refer to 'The Book of Handwriting' By Janardhan, Panther Publishers, Bangalore.   

Kumara Swamy H

CTE, Mangalore

[Johnson Dcunha]

Thank you sir for your message in this regard.

Yes, it is the communication process where if the intended recipient is able to read the written matter, the purpose of communication gets accomplished. The idea you suggested will truly help the individuals to communicate in both ways, ie, to write as well as to read. My reason to support the conversation was to make realization of the fact that, some parts of the world still uses various writing styles which are mentioned in this discussion thread. (Moreover; italics, cursive, manuscript cursive, slantprint or peterson handwriting etc). Our english learning should make us capable of reading most of the globally accepted styles and the ability to write in such a way that the intended recipient (need not be all, if it is private or restricted communication) may be able to read it or decode it. By this manner an individual can survive any English language related communication. Our embassies in other countries, our people working in foreign companies, our import and export and all business that matters with our national economy may require such communication capabilities even in the midst of print and computer media.

 I recognize the benefit of the teaching approach suggested by you. I wish everyone consider such ideas with open-mindedness. In the later stages, an individual may need to develop additional abilities of writing as well.

With gratitude,

Johnson Dcunha

Naravi high School

http://nhs.net.in/

****************************************************

Johnson dcunha

MSTF.IN

Naravi High School

Blog:johnson.net.in

****************************************************

[Kumara Swamy]

While all the issues you have drawn our attention to are very true,  considering a few more issues would develop further insights into the very aim of learning English in India.

Who needs English?  It is a myth to think that all of us need English alike.   First of all,  more than 60% of the students who enter class I do not go beyond +2 for various reasons.  The % of those who go for PG and other courses is still less.  Should we impose all sorts of things on all the learners which would truly benefit(though doubtful) only a small % of the total student population?  

That they would need it one day in future is only a good talk.  This is true of Math and Science and Social Sciences too.  However,  some amount of scientific thinking,  logic and social awareness has to be there in all citizens.  But for this we really need not impose everything the subject offers to all students.  NIOL gives SSLC degree without Science and Math.  It is recognised all over India.  How come?  That is the right thing to do.  Our boards are yet to consider school education in terms of true individual needs.  

This is true of English too.  There are some communication skills(basically oral) that are to be mastered by all considering the availability of English in the mass media and the like.  However,  pl note, within India many manage just with the knowledge of one or more Indian languages.  

In terms of student need,  oral skill take the front seat.  Then come the reading skills and lastly written skills.  Reading handwritten material is another remote thing.  Let us recall and say how much of manuscripts do we read in English except the answer sheets of our students or may be some times,  a letter from a friend?  Most of our written communication is also taking place through the print media.  So the need for learning different styles or familiarising oneself with two or more styles itself is a little redundant.  After all, those who have real needs will learn when the need arises.  We just need to prepare them in a general manner. That would do.

The use of handwriting may have reduced.  That does not mean writing has reduced.  We do write a lot.  The medium is different. The process of writing still continues to be the same.  The way we organise our thoughts,  use words and expressions,  structure our write up have not really changed because of the media.  

Where are we?  What is our stand regarding the teaching of English in India?  Do we tailor down our courses to suit individual needs or do we go for a common input(like readymade garments)?  

We may not be able to change the state syllabus immediately.  But to make our classes more effective we can surely take certain decisions in this regard.  A thinking teacher who is a reflective practitioner is the need of the hour.  

The ideas expressed here are just one person's reflections.  I invite others members also to reflect on these issues so that we can all move towards meaningful practices.

Kumara Swamy

[Johnson Dcunha]

Quote: 'But for this we really need not impose everything the subject offers to all students.  NIOL gives SSLC degree without Science and Math.  It is recognised all over India.  How come?  That is the right thing to do.  Our boards are yet to consider school education in terms of true individual needs.'

May I remind you the failed past attempts of government to provide education based on the individual needs. Job oriented course etc.
As per imposing is concerned,  even the current curriculum is imposing several unnecessary or too many of good things in education. But if you ask which is unimportant, none in particular.
The individual needs may be felt when it is be too late for someone to learn. When adopting, learning may become difficult. But learning starts at the young age. The purpose of formal education is to provide all necessary things to the learner. So, Let the pupil only decide whether he/she needs English. And how much. 
One can not generalize the formal education requirements based on the scenario produced by the media. It will require statistical analysis by making some in depth social research.

It does not prove anything by telling the future. While in India, we may change the curriculum. But we do not have any control over other nation's education. So if we just make some change to system based on our comprehension, the differences arising may isolate us globally.

When I was in Doha Qatar in the year 2017, I happened to meet the delegates of Syprus and nearby countries, I observed that how poor the English communication was. How much they relied on people knowing good English.
In any company, the boss does not write sticky notes by a printer. He scribbles on a yellow paper and sticks to the employees desk. Imagine that if the employee does not understand it! You can't ask Him to write in a different style. You can't change His countries' education system. Let us be aware of the current situation of employment.
There are various areas where English handwriting remains important.
This is the difference that creates a gap between education system and corporate world. And what is expected from the education is not well understood by the Education system.

Thank you.
Johnson Dcunha
Naravi High School.
http://NHS.NET.IN/

[Guru ಗುರು]

Dear Kumar Swamy sir

You have said "The way we organise our thoughts, use words and

expressions, structure our write up have not really changed because of
the media.

This is perhaps not fully true - typing on a keyboard does influence our
thinking/expression differently than putting pen to paper... see
http://www.medicaldaily.com/why-using-pen-and-paper-not-laptops-boosts-memory-writing-notes-helps-recall-concepts-ability-268770
http://www.buzzfeed.com/kasiagalazka/writing-helps-you-remember-things-better-than-typing

Articles on net also predict cursive writing will not survive beyond few
decades...

warm regards
Guru

Gurumurthy Kasinathan
Director, IT for Change | Tel:98454 37730

ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಇಲಾಖೆಗೆ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ತಂತ್ರಾಂಶ

>> <https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-12y2mtNFFXI/U1C-gYZ32cI/AAAAAAAAALs/EQI78sEuXWc/s1600/graphics2+-+Copy.png>
>> ****************************************************
>> Johnson dcunha
>> MSTF.IN <http://mstf.in/>

[Kumara Swamy]

Dear Guru

Thanks for the link and the insight.  I read it.  I still feel I have a case there.  I have questions on the study presented.  However,  I will get back after two days as I am on travel and can not attend to it fully.

Regards.

Kumar

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[Johnson Dcunha]

Dear Tharanath sir, 

As this was a debate topic, I tried to put my shoes on both sides of the arguments!. I found both sides have valid and considerable aspects.

Despite all the discussions here, I tried the idea you suggested. (Idea: Intention of beautiful handwriting influencing the movement of thumb and fingers suggested by you.) And it works well for me. I have nothing to say more about writing styles than re framing the same (previous) idea in other possible ways. Yet I feel that the days are changing and what we say may remain relevant or irrelevant in the coming future. 

The link Guru moorthy sir shared here emphasises the found factors of importance in writing during this modernizing era,  in the midst of all typing, soft data and printing. While inspired by certain aspects highlighted by Kumara Swamy sir, I feel that the writing should be simple and beautiful. At the same time, a person may be require to develop capacities to read difficult script of various types including cursive.

Any type of writing with clearly readable alphabets is acceptable in communication. Though there are various aspects of communication which are still in debate, the basic question raised about writing is related to the general scenario of writing and reading in the scholastic area and related areas specified in the previous contexts.

Despite my argument about the need of variety in education to provide all necessary skills, I agree with the aspects of individual needs highlighted by KumaraSwamy sir. This however, requires greater care in determining what the child actually needs for one's own future. Thus, settling of this matter is not possible unless the clearness about the future needs are not understood in advance. The teachers' role in thinking about this matter may involve errors. Rectifications are possible by the insightful reflections. I thank Tharanath sir, Kumaraswamy sir and Guru Moorthi sir for these insights as well. Welcome to silent spectators to share your views in this regard.

Regards,

Johnson Dcunha

Naravi High School

http://nhs.net.in/

[Guru ಗುರು]

Thanks Kumar,

I will eagerly wait to read your detailed response, for your insights
and ideas...

I wanted to reiterate my view, that the 'digital' method/mode of
'writing' ('communicating' would be a better word than 'writing' since
through digital method, one can do much more than write, one can record
oral communication, visual communications etc also), certainly impacts
the way we organise our thoughts, by giving the example of 'concept
mapping'using a digital tool such as 'freemind'.

My own experience (and that of many others) is that, instead of
'listing' ideas in a brainstorming session, if we use a mind mapping
tool like 'freemind', then it certainly supports and even faciliates
greater 'radial' thinking, while 'making lists' constrains radial thinking.

while we can always make concept maps using paper and pen, the digital
mind map enables easy editing - copy paste, moving one node to another
root effortlessly and faciliates free and easy/open thinking...

see a mind map we created couple of days back on the 'NCF 2005 Position
Paper on Social Sciences' in a KOER workshop with social science
teachers... the kind, number of ideas generated was huge and the
mind-map enabled easy capture of the ideas and support for the
discussions, much more than any paper based recording could have done...
participants saw the mind map evolve in the discussions (projected from
my laptop) and this faciliated triggering/forking of newer ideas...

of course the digital medium impact on thinking is not only positive -
there have been studies which show how digital medium can make thinking
superficial (reading a book can provide deep experiences that reading
from a screen may not)

regards
Guru


ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು, ನನ್ನ ಕನ್ನಡ ಲೇಖನದಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವುದೇ ತಪ್ಪುಗಳು ಇದ್ದರೆ , ನನಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿ
“Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.” - Paulo Freire

Gurumurthy Kasinathan
Director, IT for Change | Tel:98454 37730
ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಇಲಾಖೆಗೆ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ತಂತ್ರಾಂಶ

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>>>> Are you using pirated Khasagi Tantramsha? Adopt Sarvajanika Tantramsha.
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>> Tantramsha? Adopt Sarvajanika Tantramsha. For Sarvajanika Tantramsha free
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[Ranjani]

Dear Guru, Kumar,

I think what one needs to engage with also is the skills of decoding, meaning making, analyzing, recoding, representing - all of which get subsumed in the one word called writing.

I think writing needs to be seen for what it is - a proxy for expression.  The more coherently one can express, and the multiplicity with which we can express are important (in which the digital has a large role to play)

I would, however, distinguish between the mind map as a thinking tool and and the created mind map as an expression of ideas for meaning making to others.  For the mind map to make sense to another person (not part of the discussion) the creator of the mind map must organize and link the nodes, regroup etc.  And when that is being done, one can argue it is writing, the mind map is a written expression -  and this expression can include images, sounds, videos, drawings, and text also ....

So the question can be - can writing move beyond the alphabet?


Regards
Ranjani

--

Ranjani Ranganathan | Senior Programme Associate
IT for Change
(In special consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC)
91-80-26654134 |  | Fax 91-80-41461055

---

Websites : www.public-software.in | www.karnatakaeducation.org.in/koer/en/index.php |

[Kumara Swamy]

Dear Guru and Ranjani

The discussion has now really picked up. While I agree with both of you,  I still continue to have a reservation on the influence of the digital media on writing.  I am of the opinion that writing is an abstract exercise.  The essence that gets its shape in human mind gets a form through some type of writing, either manual or digital.  The use of  tool like mind map is no doubt useful.  But working out linkages on the screen is different from working it out in mind,  in an abstract manner.  In fact, it would not take a form unless it is done mentally.  Use of the media indiscreetly would limit one's abstract thinking.  It appears very nice to see our thoughts getting a form on the screen.  But then the mind now does not have the need to link and retain linkages for future references as it has already taken a form. 

We need to work with the essence before reducing the essence to a form.  These two words have disturbed me a lot.  What I say now is only some kind of loud thinking.  I am really intrigued by the role digital media might have in the development of one's writing skills. 

For that matter even handwritten text is next to the thinking text.   Your discussions have triggered a new line of thinking for me.  I am yet to work it out in detail.  But this now interests me a lot.

I agree with the definition of writing Ranjani has offered.  When do we call something writing is a question we need to debate further.  Meaning making process is mental.  So is meaning creating.  Expression comes later,   whatever its form.

Pl respond.  Now I have begun to look forward to insights into this issue.

Regards

Kumar

[Guru ಗುರು]

Dear Kumar and Ranjani,

Thanks for keeping this thread alive and kicking :-)                  (echo Johnson sirs request to all readers to join with their views...)

Sharing a note I wrote in 2011 June about the movement in methods of communication (Oral → written / print → digital), this movement, in my view (and argued by many others) is a profound one. Just as the the invention of language gave birth to the first method of oral communication, the invention of the script gave birth to the method of writing. This invention of writing was a profound one, now information could be shared beyond the constraints of space and time (imposed in case of oral communication).

Similarly, the invention of the digital method of communication is a profound one, with similar implications for the ease/speed of sharing information over space and time, and also methods of creating information. This invention has led to the creation of the digital society, information society, network society..... by reducing the costs of communication even further (email which is 'free' can reach thousands of people in an instant and be perennially stored/available/shared).

With the advent of the digital age, writing (on paper) as a 'normal' method of communicating will die. Typing on keyboards, writing on swipe pads of phones etc will replace writing. This is a matter of time. I am not passing a judgement on this movement (it will have its gains and losses). Education systems will need to and will adapt to this change.

The processes of writing impacting thinking that Kumar has described have certainly a lot of validity in them, but, in my view, perhaps are not to be seen as eternal truths. With increased use of digital methods of communicating, our brain will also re-wire over time. While this will take a few generations, it is inevitable. (Again not saying that this is good or bad, but inevitable).

In that sense the debate over cursive writing is something that will not be relevant maybe 20-30 years from today...when most people are digital natives.

regards,
Guru
Must read....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_society
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_society
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_native

 


ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು,  ನನ್ನ ಕನ್ನಡ ಲೇಖನದಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವುದೇ ತಪ್ಪುಗಳು ಇದ್ದರೆ , ನನಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿ
“Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.” - Paulo Freire

Gurumurthy Kasinathan
Director, IT for Change | Tel:98454 37730
ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ  ಇಲಾಖೆಗೆ  ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ  ತಂತ್ರಾಂಶ

>> <Gu...@karnatakaeducation.org.in> <Gu...@karnatakaeducation.org.in>

http://www.buzzfeed.com/kasiagalazka/writing-helps-

>> dcunha MSTF.IN <http://mstf.in/> <http://mstf.in/>

>> <http://www.ITforChange.net/>*Ranjani Ranganathan* | Senior
>> Programme Associate IT for Change <http://www.itforchange.net/>
>> (*In special consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC)*
>> 91-80-26654134 |  | Fax 91-80-41461055
>> ------------------------------
>>
>>
>> * Websites : www.public-software.in
>> <http://www.public-software.in>|
>> www.karnatakaeducation.org.in/koer/en/index.php
>> <http://www.karnatakaeducation.org.in/koer/en/index.php> | *

[Johnson Dcunha]

Dear respected Kumaraswamy sir and Gurumoorthy sir,

I see this thread more than just opinion based, as now this discussion is becoming more analytical in nature.

I see that  Kumaraswamy sir is emphasising on what is required in scholastic areas based on the absolute needs of Education. And Gurumoorthy sir is highlighting the actual paths taken by the world due to the trends followed. Ranjani ma'm is presenting the aspects of communication that are directly influenced by the traditional communication and the changing trends . 

(My assumptions, I hope they are true.) 

I present few more scenarios of decoding the language for communication either in written or audio-visual form.

The process of coding visual and audio information requires its production (editing, manipulation, etc)/ recording / preparation / reader devices / screens / posters or papers / gadgets / programming / accessibility of input tools / format / colour / frequency and amplitude / external power source in production or implementation or presentation. These processes are complex than conventional (symbolic) coding of writing, notifying or orally providing information.

Yet, the audio visual media has greater impacts on communication due to its simplicity in decoding. So, it is easy to grasp. Here, whatever you sense through sensual perception of eyes and ears, is then directly absorbed for neural processing. Here, the fiction and imagination of abstract info is very difficult. 

Currently, the government orders (as an example) sent to various departments are, either in paper or email. They stand more towards linguistics (compared to AV). Even the text books, traffic signals and public notices are linguistic (linguistic => symbols) in nature than audio visual.

The print media exists from the historic times, yet the writing was still in use for several centuries. 

Therefore, the chances are still relevant even in the era of emails and text for the ease of hands. Keep your hands on a book and experience the freedom of movement of your hands. If you are stuck on a keyboard for hours by habit, and if your wrists are aching, do not dip them in warm water. But give a try to pen and paper for few minutes.  It will ease (relieve) the locked muscles of your palm. If you are planning a task or idea, use pen and paper for better outcome. (Courtesy: One of the previous post of Gurumoorthy sir).  I heard less about chronic aching of hands due to excessive writing, but I saw many people going to doctor those who are working a lot on pc keyboard for data entry.

But this does not mean to ignore the effectiveness of print/typed media in anyway. The general use of print and email of present world may become well adopted in the future society as well. For the time being, the aspects of present time are not well connected to such a future due to limitations.

Learning of language is not limited to communication, but also used for self learning, reference, studying history by archaeology and research. Here, the role of language is vital.

Imagine if all the media and electronics are unavailable due to any calamity or disaster. The basic ability to write may become essential life skill. I agree with the facts presented by Gurumoorthy sir that relates to the current trends of electronic communication.(Quote: With the advent of the digital age, writing (on paper) as a 'normal' method of communicating will die.). That will be disastrous on the future generations if that leads to the incapability in handwriting and reading the handwritten text.

Though abstract thinking is possible even in email and print text, the handwriting activity adds more life to the working out of such abstraction because of the physical involvement offered by the fingers to the mental activity. (proven factor).

Another aspect is, interpretation of presently existing text in the libraries containing ocean of knowledge and wisdom including all the literature, medicine, research and worship. This can not be converted into audio visual media to the limitations. Here the limiting factor for AV media is that, it can not contain multi dimensional meaning and interpretation of wisdom, which is unseen in material form. You can not just convert philosophy completely into video. 

The true statistics presented by Gurumoorthy sir are the warning for us to stop the current generation which is heading towards the compartmentalized and restricted limits of knowledge. Not just foreseeing the future alone, but changing it for our good is the possibility offered by education. 

I hope, I  made a genuine remark for your consideration.

Thanking You for motivation.

Johnson Dcunha

Naravi High School

http://johnson.net.in/

****************************************************

Johnson dcunha

MSTF.IN

Naravi High School

Blog:johnson.net.in

****************************************************

[Kumara Swamy]

Dear all

Nice to see so many ideas spontaneously flowing in this thread.  I have one observation to make which perhaps summarises all that I would like to say in this regard.

This forum is discussing the use of handwriting and the use of degital media for written expression as well as other uses of language.  It was also discussed that the digital media would influence the way we think and organise our ideas.  

I would like to differentiate between thinking and its expression.  The question of digital or manual media comes when whatever is thought has to be expressed.  For the purpose of coherent expression,  encoding of whatever is thought for expression has to consider the possibilities of the medium of expression too.  But if the thought process itself gets limited to the possibilities of its expression,  we would limit our thinking.  It is like preparing for public exams.  We study or organise our studies to suit the exam needs and no more.  

The processes of thinking - Are they media based or independent of the media?

When Piaget and Chomsky discussed the relationship between thought and language there was no digital media.  Now we need to consider that also I suppose.  I would now like to put thought processes and language on one side and the medium used for the expression of the same on another side.  I would not like the media to influence my thought right in the beginning.  For encoding my thoughts I would surely consider the media possibilities.  

I am happy the whole lot of discussion here has brought a lot of clarity to my own thinking.  Thanks a lot.  

Kumara Swamy 

                                            

[Guru ಗುರು]

Thank you Kumar sir and Johnson sir for your erudite thoughts which have thrown such light on this topic. Sorry for a slightly long and delayed response.... hope we can continue this thread...

1. Johnson sir has said "Though abstract thinking is possible even in email and print text, the handwriting activity adds more life to the working out of such abstraction because of the physical involvement offered by the fingers to the mental activity. (proven factor). " The link http://www.deccanherald.com/content/411416/what-children-lose-handwriting-fades.html (as recent as June 2014) supports his contention. An excerpt -

"In another study, Dr James is comparing children who physically form letters with those who only watch others doing it. Her observations suggest that it is only the actual effort that engages the brain’s motor pathways and delivers the learning benefits of handwriting. The effect goes well beyond letter recognition. In a study that followed children in grades two through five, Virginia Berninger, a psychologist at the University of Washington, demonstrated that printing, cursive writing, and typing on a keyboard are all associated with distinct and separate brain patterns — and each results in a distinct end product. When the children composed text by hand, they not only consistently produced more words more quickly than they did on a keyboard, but expressed more ideas. And brain imaging in the oldest subjects suggested that the connection between writing and idea generation went even further. *When these children were asked to come up with ideas for a composition, the ones with better handwriting exhibited greater neural activation in areas associated with working memory — and increased overall activation in the reading and writing networks. **It now appears that there may even be a difference between printing and cursive writing* — a distinction of particular importance as the teaching of cursive disappears in curriculum after curriculum. In dysgraphia, a condition where the ability to write is impaired, usually after brain injury, the deficit can take on a curious form: In some people, cursive writing remains relatively unimpaired, while in others, printing does.In alexia, or impaired reading ability, some individuals who are unable to process print can still read cursive, and vice versa — suggesting that the two writing modes activate separate brain networks and engage more cognitive resources than would be the case with a single approach."

There is another very readable  middle in Deccan Herald - http://www.deccanherald.com/content/422923/beauty-handwriting.html where a student writes about his gratitude to his teacher Ms Devadas for teaching him cursive writing. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/348256/is-cursive-writing-facing-extinction.html argues my case that cursive writing is facing extinction

2. Johnson sir makes a second assertion that about philosophy and av media. "Another aspect is, interpretation of presently existing text in the libraries containing ocean of knowledge and wisdom including all the literature, medicine, research and worship. This can not be converted into audio visual media to the limitations. Here the limiting factor for AV media is that, it can not contain multi dimensional meaning and interpretation of wisdom, which is unseen in material form. You can not just convert philosophy completely into video. I am not sure I agree with this assertion, one of my most profound learning about philosophy was in listening to audio tapes of Osho (Bhagwan Rajneesh), it had an impact that reading alone may not have had. (Reading would have its own impact, which perhaps av may not provide). My point is it may be difficult to ascribe such limitation to av media wrt philosophy. And there are attempts being made to digitize the ocean of knowledge now available in print format (google books is one such project) and in another 3-5 decades, we may find that most of this ocean is only digital. See attached BBC News article, which says "The survey covers a period known as the "information revolution" as human societies transition to a digital age. It shows that in 2000 75% of stored information was in an analogue format such as video cassettes, but that by 2007, 94% of it was digital."

So we may have all philosophy in a combination of digital books and digital audio-video formats

warm regards
Guru

“Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.” - Paulo Freire Gurumurthy Kasinathan Director, IT for Change | Tel:98454 37730 ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಇಲಾಖೆಗೆ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ತಂತ್ರಾಂಶ

On 07/22/2014 12:48 AM, Johnson Dcunha wrote:

Dear respected Kumaraswamy sir and Gurumoorthy sir,
I see this thread more than just opinion based, as now this discussion is
becoming more analytical in nature.

I see that  Kumaraswamy sir is emphasising on what is required in
scholastic areas based on the absolute needs of Education. And Gurumoorthy
sir is highlighting the actual paths taken by the world due to the trends
followed. Ranjani ma'm is presenting the aspects of communication that are
directly influenced by the traditional communication and the changing
trends .
*(My assumptions, I hope they are true.)*

I present few more scenarios of decoding the language for communication
either in written or audio-visual form.

The process of *coding* visual and audio information requires its
production (editing, manipulation, etc)/ recording / preparation / reader
devices / screens / posters or papers / gadgets / programming /
accessibility of input tools / format / colour / frequency and amplitude /
external power source in production or implementation or presentation.
These processes are complex than conventional (symbolic) coding of writing,
notifying or orally providing information.

Yet, the audio visual media has greater impacts on communication due to its
simplicity in decoding. So, it is easy to grasp. Here, whatever you sense
through sensual perception of eyes and ears, is then directly absorbed for
neural processing. Here, the fiction and imagination of abstract info is
very difficult.

Currently, the government orders (as an example) sent to various
departments are, either in paper or email. They stand more towards
linguistics (compared to AV). Even the text books, traffic signals and
public notices are linguistic (linguistic => symbols) in nature than audio
visual.
The print media exists from the historic times, yet the writing was still
in use for several centuries.
Therefore, the chances are still relevant even in the era of emails and
text for the ease of hands. Keep your hands on a book and experience the
freedom of movement of your hands. If you are stuck on a keyboard for hours
by habit, and if your wrists are aching, do not dip them in warm water. But
give a try to pen and paper for few minutes.  It will ease (relieve) the
locked muscles of your palm. If you are planning a task or idea, use pen
and paper for better outcome. (Courtesy: One of the previous post of
Gurumoorthy sir).  I heard less about chronic aching of hands due
to excessive writing, but I saw many people going to doctor those who are
working a lot on pc keyboard for data entry.

But this does not mean to ignore the effectiveness of print/typed media in
anyway. The general use of print and email of present world may become well
adopted in the future society as well. For the time being, the aspects of
present time are not well connected to such a future due to limitations.

Learning of language is not limited to communication, but also used for
self learning, reference, studying history by archaeology and research.
Here, the role of language is vital.

Imagine if all the media and electronics are unavailable due to any
calamity or disaster. The basic ability to write may become essential life
skill. I agree with the facts presented by Gurumoorthy sir that relates to
the current trends of electronic communication.(Quote: *With the advent of
the digital age, writing (on paper) as a 'normal' method of communicating
will die*.). That will be disastrous on the future generations if that
leads to the incapability in handwriting and reading the handwritten text.

Though abstract thinking is possible even in email and print text, the
handwriting activity adds more life to the working out of such abstraction
because of the physical involvement offered by the fingers to the mental
activity. (proven factor).

Another aspect is, interpretation of presently existing text in the
libraries containing ocean of knowledge and wisdom including all the
literature, medicine, research and worship. This can not be converted into
audio visual media to the limitations. Here the limiting factor for AV
media is that, it can not contain multi dimensional meaning and
interpretation of wisdom, which is unseen in material form. You can not
just convert *philosophy* *completely* into video.

The true statistics presented by Gurumoorthy sir are the warning for us to
stop the current generation which is heading towards the compartmentalized
and restricted limits of knowledge. Not just foreseeing the future alone,
but changing it for our good is the possibility offered by education.

I hope, I  made a genuine remark for your consideration.

Thanking You for motivation.

Johnson Dcunha
Naravi High School
http://johnson.net.in/




<https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-12y2mtNFFXI/U1C-gYZ32cI/AAAAAAAAALs/EQI78sEuXWc/s1600/graphics2+-+Copy.png>

****************************************************
Johnson dcunha
MSTF.IN <http://mstf.in/>

Naravi High School
Blog:johnson.net.in

<srira...@itforchange.net> <srira...@itforchange.net> wrote:

**************************************************** Johnson
dcunha MSTF.IN <http://mstf.in/> <http://mstf.in/> <http://mstf.in/>

<net...@gmail.com> <net...@gmail.com> <net...@gmail.com>

<net...@gmail.com> wrote:

<http://www.ITforChange.net/> <http://www.ITforChange.net/>*Ranjani

Ranganathan* | Senior

Programme Associate IT for Change <http://www.itforchange.net/>

<http://www.itforchange.net/>

(*In special consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC)*
91-80-26654134 |  | Fax 91-80-41461055
------------------------------


* Websites : www.public-software.in

<http://www.public-software.in> <http://www.public-software.in>|
www.karnatakaeducation.org.in/koer/en/index.php
<http://www.karnatakaeducation.org.in/koer/en/index.php>

[Guru ಗುರು]

Responding to  a very interesting and thought provoking distinction between thinking and expression, made by Kumar sir, who argues that thinking is more fundamental and modes of expression (writing/digital) may not be impacting thinking so much.

I would like to make following assertions, some in agreement and some not :-)

1. There is complex and bi-directional relationship between thinking and expression. Thought of course will influence its expression, expression possibilities are also highly likely to influence thought. They are not distinct or stand alone processes

2. The digital methods, in my view, allow for many more methods of expression - through digital text, image, audio, video or combinations of these (see for instance digital story telling, which is a combination of these. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_storytelling). By allowing for multiple and richer forms of expression, digital methods allow greater stimulation to thinking processes. this is a positive contribution to both thinking and expression due to new digital possibilities.

3. However, the digital world also innundates us with information, a lot of which is superficial/incorrect as well as intending to 'brain wash'. This is a real danger from digital world. Chomsky's  master piece 'Manufacturing Consent'  -through "powerful ideological institutions that carry out a system-supportive propaganda function by reliance on market forces, internalized assumptions, and self-censorship, and without overt coercion"., (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manufacturing_Consent)  has become even more dangerous thanks to digital methods of information creation and dissemination. In this context, the warning from Kumar sir that 'thinking should not be limited by modes of expression (and if I may add, modes of information reception) is an important one, that is necessary to foster and nurture critical thinking.

regards,
Guru

>> traditional communication and the changing trends . *(My
>> assumptions, I hope they are true.)*

>>
>> I present few more scenarios of decoding the language for
>> communication either in written or audio-visual form.
>>

>> The process of *coding* visual and audio information requires its

>> communication.(Quote: *With the advent of the digital age, writing
>> (on paper) as a 'normal' method of communicating will die*.). That

>> will be disastrous on the future generations if that leads to the
>> incapability in handwriting and reading the handwritten text.
>>
>> Though abstract thinking is possible even in email and print text,
>> the handwriting activity adds more life to the working out of such
>> abstraction because of the physical involvement offered by the
>> fingers to the mental activity. (proven factor).
>>
>> Another aspect is, interpretation of presently existing text in the
>> libraries containing ocean of knowledge and wisdom including all
>> the literature, medicine, research and worship. This can not be
>> converted into audio visual media to the limitations. Here the
>> limiting factor for AV media is that, it can not contain multi
>> dimensional meaning and interpretation of wisdom, which is unseen

>> in material form. You can not just convert *philosophy*
>> *completely* into video.

>>
>> The true statistics presented by Gurumoorthy sir are the warning
>> for us to stop the current generation which is heading towards the
>> compartmentalized and restricted limits of knowledge. Not just
>> foreseeing the future alone, but changing it for our good is the
>> possibility offered by education.
>>
>> I hope, I  made a genuine remark for your consideration.
>>
>> Thanking You for motivation.
>>
>> Johnson Dcunha Naravi High School http://johnson.net.in/
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>

>> <https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-12y2mtNFFXI/U1C-gYZ32cI/AAAAAAAAALs/EQI78sEuXWc/s1600/graphics2+-+Copy.png>
>>
>>
>>
****************************************************
>> Johnson dcunha MSTF.IN <http://mstf.in/> Naravi High School

>>>> <srira...@itforchange.net> <srira...@itforchange.net>

http://www.buzzfeed.com/kasiagalazka/writing-helps-

>>>>> <net...@gmail.com> <net...@gmail.com> <net...@gmail.com>

[Johnson Dcunha]

Dear Gurumoorthy sir,

I certainly agree with the aspects about audio books and digitized text libraries in the e - libraries of the world highlighted by you. Even my idea to to interpret the written text is not limited to handwritten or printed media. Even the written text in the digital media format requires linguistic decoding. And my 100% vote for the reference provided in the previous posts.

My statement about AV was meant about converting abstract text into visual video imagery or image or any such form that may limit its possible link with multi dimensional meanings / inter-relationships with other domains of knowledge. 

Therefore, the re-encoding of language into visual imagery requires absolute knowledge of philosophy. Which is practically impossible for any human. If you try to picturize paradise, soul, divinity, light of wisdom, fire (as a symbol : 'light, power, anger, energy, vengeance, vigour, warmth, salvation, punishment, agony, immateriality and many of which are not listed so far)) and many such concepts, they can be effective in one/few forms, but they will be limited by the knowledge of encoder / producer of such visual media. Once the viewer/ analyser looks at the visual form of such knowledge, the interpretation will be affected by its structural limits. Any structural limits of abstraction is found to be an obstacle for learning philosophical aspects.

However, visual media can enhance the fundamental knowledge by giving greater learning experience of true / distinct facts which will support abstract thinking. Similar mind programming is acceptable in the event that the learner is capable of thinking without the help of visual aid. so that one can handle the issues of knowledge, where the visual imagery of such information is unavailable or limited.

As per finding actual material facts which needs the language, abstract thinking capacity, visual insight and imagination, I like to quote all the examples of the invention of: atomic structure, molecular structure, spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule, ionization, bonding, etc. Even spatial bodies, spectrometry etc.

Here, though the abstraction is limited to the structural form of materials, its limits were totally imaginary during invention,. Later they become distinct by supportive facts. Now, based on the knowledge of experimentation, the structures are drawn. 

Here, therefore, Its visual image will help a new learner to learn it faster. Yet, its additional research in the future may remain abstract., which will need more facts, imagination, hypothesis, 'analysis of such factors in the available laboratory conditions' and so on... This is certainly supported by the currently available visual learning materials.

Where as, philosophical matters are having higher dimensions. Fundamentally, philosophy is based on thinking than its expression. [Here, I hope I connect to both ends of thinking and expression]. This is because, it gets multiple enlightenments in different minds. That is why spiritual and philosophical debates are never ending. Every expression becomes incomplete with the arrival of new interpretations and meaning.

The text in the physical/written/print form or digital form can become the tools for thinking. The shoes of one philosopher will not fit with another one. More than learning philosophy, becoming self guided (Soul guided? pardon me, it will open another debate here) philosopher will need greater mind power. The initial spark for such mind power requires linguistic abstraction and visualization. (Audio speech is also accounts for language. Visual symbols also do. But Imagery of aspects do not fit completely.)

Yes, there are still exceptions. 

A great picture can be greater than a book. Even books and volumes may not suffice to contain its all aspects. Similarly, As our discussion was (Changed its path from cursive writing)  about decoding things into visual form, The conversion of a great text into visual image will not hold everything, visual media will not suffice to contain everything of meaning. This applicability is not universally similar. It differs in various contexts.

I am grateful for having a good discussion with all such sharing of ideas which truly making me the feel of having a company of great thinkers around me in the forums. I heartily thank you for bringing out such a good discussion.

Johnson Dunha

Naravi High school

http://johnson.net.in/

http://nhs.net.in/

<G...@karnatakaeducation.org.in> <G...@karnatakaeducation.org.in>

<G...@karnatakaeducation.org.in> <G...@karnatakaeducation.org.in>

you-remember-things-better-than-typing

Articles on net also predict cursive writing will not survive
beyond few decades...

warm regards Guru


Gurumurthy Kasinathan Director, IT for Change | Tel:98454 37730
ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ  ಇಲಾಖೆಗೆ  ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ  ತಂತ್ರಾಂಶ

On 07/12/2014 09:50 AM, Kumara Swamy wrote:

While all the issues you have drawn our attention to are very
true, considering a few more issues would develop further insights
into the very aim of learning English in India.

Who needs English?  It is a myth to think that all of us need
English alike.   First of all,  more than 60% of the students who
enter class I do not go beyond +2 for various reasons.  The % of
those who go for PG and other courses is still less.  Should we
impose all sorts of things on all the learners which would truly
benefit(though doubtful) only a small % of the total student
population?

That they would need it one day in future is only a good talk.
This is true of Math and Science and Social Sciences too.  However,
some amount of scientific thinking,  logic and social awareness has
to be there in all citizens.  But for this we really need not
impose everything the subject offers to all students.  NIOL gives
SSLC degree without Science and Math. It is recognised all over
India.  How come?  That is the right thing to do.  Our boards are
yet to consider school education in terms of true individual
needs.

This is true of English too.  There are some communication
skills(basically oral) that are to be mastered by all considering
the availability of English in the mass media and the like.
However,  pl note, within India many manage just with the knowledge
of one or more Indian languages.

In terms of student need,  oral skill take the front seat.  Then
come the reading skills and lastly written skills.  Reading
handwritten material is another remote thing.  Let us recall and
say how much of manuscripts do we read in English except the answer
sheets of our students or may be some times,  a letter from a
friend?  Most of our written communication is also taking place
through the print media.  So the need for learning different styles
or familiarising oneself with two or more styles itself is a
little redundant.  After all, those who have real needs will learn
when the need arises.  We just need to prepare them in a general
manner. That would do.

The use of handwriting may have reduced.  That does not mean
writing has reduced.  We do write a lot.  The medium is different.
The process of writing still continues to be the same.  The way we
organise our thoughts, use words and expressions,  structure our
write up have not really changed because of the media.


Where are we?  What is our stand regarding the teaching of English
in India?  Do we tailor down our courses to suit individual needs
or do we go for a common input(like readymade garments)?

We may not be able to change the state syllabus immediately.  But
to make our classes more effective we can surely take certain
decisions in this regard.  A thinking teacher who is a reflective
practitioner is the need of the hour.

The ideas expressed here are just one person's reflections.  I
invite others members also to reflect on these issues so that we
can all move towards meaningful practices.

Kumara Swamy










On Sat, Jul 12, 2014 at 8:28 AM, Johnson Dcunha <ne...@gmail.com>

<ne...@gmail.com>

<ne...@gmail.com> <ne...@gmail.com> <ne...@gmail.com>

<p

...

[Johnson Dcunha]

http://vijaykarnataka.indiatimes.com/articleshow/46159860.cms

Pardon me for waking up slept topic. I think it may give some more light.

Johnson dcunha

Naravi High School.

[Rajendra Shendage]

Dear Mr Johnson,

Hello!

I liked your way to put forth the things objectively. 

But friend, don't you think, as many the language items, those many are the purposes and persons to learn at different points and period of time?
Thus, isn't the topic above this debate?

I think the same you wanted to convey the fraternity with an appeal to focus on finding easier ways to introduce cursive instead of getting indulged in this so called debate.

With regards,

Rajendra.

ELT GMHS KUNNUR

BLOCK NIPANI

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[Mahantesh S K]

Its dead...
Better to c forth sirs..

[Johnson Dcunha]

It was just an update of real world happenings with relation to the debate that took place quite earlier. The debate was closed months ago. thus my intention was to provide follow-up information which can be verified in comparison with actual incidents and aforesaid predictions.

Regards

Johnson Dcunha

Naravi High School.

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[Gurumurthy Kasinathan]

Thanks Ram for raising an important issue for discussion. My suggestion is to have this on a 'discussion forum' so that the views of all can be easily seen in one place - in case of emails, the older mails get pushed to bottom and vanish from our sight!

I have created a discussion forum "Cursive writing in English - to do or not to do?: on 

http://karnatakaeducation.org.in/?q=node/330

and request teachers to post their comments on the forum,

(login id - stfteacher, password - stfteacher). login link is on top right of the screen, when you visit http://karnatakaeducation.org.in/?q=node/330)

Read recent news article on this forum as well - "Finland to replace cursive writing with keyboard typing in schools" (came in papers last week!!)

Lets use discussion forum for serious discussions where many will contribute, so that it is easy to read everyones ideas - email group is not very good for that purpose.

regards,
Guru

regards

Guru

regards,

Gurumurthy & Team
IT for Change

Bangalore

www.ITforChange.net

080 26654134

On Thu, Jul 3, 2014 at 12:02 PM, Ram Kumar <ramku...@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear All,

We have started an internal debate within our schools and seek your views on the same.

• Do we need to continue the practice of cursive writing in our Nursery/ primary schools?
• What needs to be primary focus with respect to Children Hand writing 'beauty of handwriting' or  'writing efficiently'?
• What needs to be emphasized  (Process/Content/form) while  helping a child to lean hand writing?

 Please share your responses, if possible  web links/source materials for further reading to ramk...@svym.org.in

Regards,

Ramkumar

--

N.Ramkumar
Educaton Co-ordinator,
Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement,
Hanchipura Road,Sargur,H.D.Kote Taluk,
Mysore-571 121. Karnataka.
Mobile-9900094271
www.svym.org

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[Johnson Dcunha]

Thanks for the update sir. 

In the future, we may need a full fledge discussion forum like vBulletin / mybb / simplemachine forum(smf) - platforms in order to enable lasting discussions. I hope adaptations to such sites is not difficult for those who are regular (brushing) on the web.

Regards

Johnson Dcunha

Naravi High School

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[John Pereira]

Guru sir,

                Thank you so much for helping us by giving valuable suggestions. We appreciate your great concern for the promotion in quality of education, specially towards English language.

Sir, i would like draw your attention to get kind help for the following issues concerned with the Kannada medium students of 10^th standard (English 2^nd language)

1.       Kannada medium students try to memorize the comprehension questions without understanding and they forget the same in the exams.

2.       The old textbook  had questions at the end. Students used to learn some of them and write in the exams.

3.       Which questions they have to focus for the exams whether “ share your responses” or  “think    about the text.

4.       Most of the KM students complaint that they do not understand the questions. How can I help them ?

5.       The New text book  doesn’t have many simple questions. Can I make my students to learn own framed questions ?

6.       How can I help them to comprehend the text in a simple way ?

 

Handwriting

I appreciate the discussion about improving the handwriting.

1.       How can I help my students to write legibly (High school Level)  ?

2.       Do I need to use 4 line or in a single line book ?

3.       Whatever they learnt at primary level is very difficult to change, Kindly help me with your suggestions ?

 

Thanking You

 

John

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[mallikarjun hiremath]

Sir i hv sent requests but those r not joined wts the reason.

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