Cursive: A thing of the past?

As part of our weekly lecture, we had teachers, administrators and parents come in to talk to us about many things in today's society.

One thing I found very interesting was how cursive isn't taught in schools anymore. It was very interesting to hear. When I was in third grade, that seemed to be the only thing we focused on, besides keyboarding. We would have tests on writing in cursive just so we could write them correctly. It was one of those things we had to learn. However, now it seems to be something that has been tossed away to make room for technology. It may not seem very important, but I think it is.

Much of our history has been written in cursive and in order to read it, one must be able to write it. My grandmother always wrote things in cursive: letters, recipes, stories, notes in books, etc. I love to read them, but I wouldn't be able to if I hadn't learned cursive.

Also, if students are not learning cursive, how are they supposed to sign their name? A signature is important these days. We use it everywhere: on checks, insurance statements, taxes, etc. How will the next generation be able to do these things? I'm sure some of you are thinking, well, it's time to move on to the new age of technology. Yes. Believe me, I know. I have certainly been required to use more technology in the past two years. I am also sure that the time will come when technology will so prevalent that handwriting will no longer be needed. But that seems awfully far away. Also, are we sure this advancement will occur or are we simply resting on what we assume will happen.

Motivation...

"Motivation is the key"

This seems to be a pretty cliche saying. People say it all the time, but does it really help?

My brother has had trouble with school for the longest time. Everyone knew he was completely capable of doing anything but he never seemed to do anything better. However, this year he turns 16 and he has the urge to drive. So this past summer they made a deal with him. As long as he keeps his grades at A's and B's he can take driver's ed and get his permit. Evidently it worked. He has kept high grades since the beginning of the school year and is continuing to do so. He now has his permit and is beginning behind the wheel.

He was motivated to get good grades by wanting to drive. Even though he is motivated by a reward, does that make it bad? I think it is good for him. Not only does he get what he wants, but my parents did, and they all get the reassurance that he can do well and can do anything if he puts his mind to it.
I think students, like my brother, are able to do anything they want and as a teacher you should encourage them to do so. The encouragement can even be providing the motivation.