Randspalte-Links

Karl Söhl29. November 2019

Adoption of scientific advisory committee member Karl Söhl

For the Schreibmotorik Institut, an era comes to an end. We thank our longtime advisory commitee member Karl Söhl for his expert advice in matters of didactics and pedagogy. He has accompanied the institute since its foundation. His depth, his perseverance and passion concerning our cause have always distinguished him. We wish him all the best for the future.

Marianela Diaz Meyer, Udo Beckmann9 April 2019

Press conference: The VBE Verband Bildung und Erziehung and the Schreibmotorik Institut present the results of the STEP 2019 study

There is still a clear problem with handwriting. One in two boys and one in three girls have difficulties with writing.A press conference on the STEP 2019 study on development, problems and interventions in handwriting took place in Berlin on 9 April. Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer and the National Chairman of the VBE Verband Bildung und Erziehung, Udo Beckmann, announced the results of the nationwide survey of primary and secondary school teachers.

Foto: StabiloApril 2019

Media response to the results of the STEP 2019 study: more time for handwriting!

The serious problems that German schoolchildren have with handwriting are also an important topic in the media. Numerous reports published the results of the STEP study carried out by the Schreibmotorik Institut in cooperation with the Verband Bildung und Erziehung VBE and its 16 national associations.

Copyright: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung9 April 2019

Anja Karliczek commented on the STEP 2019 study on Twitter

The Federal Minister of Education and Research, Anja Karliczek, tweeted in a video what she had to say – or write – about the results of the STEP study: “Writing by hand is and remains a cultural and work technique for me. It is an expression of one’s personality. It promotes mental development in children. And it is also well known that you remember a lot more if you write something down by hand.”

Tweet on the STEP 2019 study by the Social Media Team of the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research
(Published with the kind permission of the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research)

Photo: © Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Marquardt portrt teaser23 March 2019

WDR 4 Mittendrin: interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt

The radio programme “Mittendrin” discussed handwriting and the hand lettering trend. Dr. Christian Marquardt talked about the enormous impact of writing by hand on cognitive processes: “Handwriting benefits spelling and one’s ability to remember words. What is interesting is that although fewer adults write by hand in their everyday lives, hand lettering courses are experiencing a boom in demand.” For Dr. Christian Marquardt, this is a sign that people are now noticing that they are missing something. “One can indirectly recognise a person by their handwriting.”

Wiederentdeckt: ein Herz für Handgeschriebenes! (i.e. Redescovered: a heart for handwriting!)
 

Foto: Schreibmotorik Institut1 February 2019

Media Response to Handwriting Day

Even in the age of smartphones, tablets and computer keyboards, handwriting is still an important skill. Numerous media outlets use Handwriting Day to draw attention to this.

Dr. Marianela Diaz MeyerJanuary 2019

KirchenZeitung Diözese Linz: an interview with Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer about Handwriting Day

The Austrian church magazine KirchenZeitung Diözese Linz has dedicated two pages to an interview with institute director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer on the importance of handwriting. An overview of the most important points.

diaz meyer il teaser23 January 2019

TV Interviews about Handwriting Day

In interviews for the ZDF Mittagsmagazin, SAT1 Bayern and Donau TV on German television, Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer explains why writing by hand is so important: it activates the brain in a particular way, which promotes cognitive ability and creativity. The TV channels were guests at a project day at Rinchnach Primary and Middle School in Lower Bavaria in celebration of Handwriting Day.

ZDF Mittagsmagazin            SAT1 Bayern            Donau TV

bildungschance handschrift start18 January 2019

News4teachers: TheSchreibmotorik Institut launches project for schools

Handwriting Day is on 23 January. To mark this occasion, the non-profit Schreibmotorik Institut is inviting secondary schools to take part in a special project. The project is entitled “Educational Opportunity Handwriting – better written than forgotten” and aims to get students to recognise the value of their personal handwriting.

Tag der Handschrift: Das Schreibmotorik Institut startet ein Projekt für Schulen

Foto: Schreibmotorik Institut11 January 2019

SURVEY FOR TEACHERS ON HANDWRITING IS ONLY OPEN FOR ANOTHER WEEK

WHow well can students write by hand? The Verband Bildung und Erziehung (VBE) has worked with the Schreibmotorik Institut to create a survey among teachers that should provide up-to-date answers to these questions. Those still wanting to take part should make a start now: the survey only runs for another week.

News4teachers: Umfrage zum Handschreiben unter Lehrkräften läuft nur noch eine Woche lang

Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer21 December 2018

Interview on STEP-Study: Handwriting is a holistic learniing process”

The VBE Verband Bildung und Erziehung and the Schreibmotorik Institut are currently surveying teachers in Germany on the extent to which pupils can write by hand. In an interview with News4teachers, VBE Federal Chairman Udo Beckmann and Managing Director of the Schreibmotorik Institut Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer talk about their reasons for starting the survey. Study title: STEP 2019 (“Studie über die Entwicklung, Probleme und Interventionen zum Thema Handschreiben” [Study of Development, Problems and Interventions concerning handwriting]).

Handschreiben ist ein ganzheitlicher Lernprozess“ – an interview on STEP-Study

Foto: Pixabay17 November 2018

WAZ: Writing your way to success

On a page dedicated to the topic of handwriting, the German newspaper Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung made reference to the STEP 2019 study. Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer and Udo Beckmann, Chairman of the VBE Verband Bildung und Erziehung – with which the Schreibmotorik Institut is conducting the teachers’ survey – stress the importance of handwriting in the era of tablets and smartphones.

Foto: Schreibmotorik InstitutOctober 2018

Evangelischer Pressedienst agency report: The war on scrawl

Even in the digital age, handwriting remains an important educational issue. The majority of pupils have problems with it. Here, expert Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer suggests possible causes.

Foto: Schreibmotorik Institut5 November 2018

The SZ online newspaper reports on the STEP 2019 teachers’ survey

Teachers can make direct comparisons and are therefore best able to assess the state of their pupils’ handwriting. The online survey among teachers from all types of schools will help find possible solutions for motor-skills-related difficulties with handwriting, which have been encountered for many years.

SZ article: Survey on handwriting

HS-Tutorials Auftaktrreffen Partner18 September 2018

ERASMUS+: Launch event for the “HS Tutorials” EU project

Along with five project partners from Germany, Austria and Italy, the Schreibmotorik Institut will conduct a European research project within the framework of ERASMUS+. In the next two years, concrete didactic approaches and teaching aids will be developed and tested for the promotion of writing skills in schools.

Foto: Tina UmlaufAugust 2018

Kinder!: tips on learning to write for school starters

With the support of Institute director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, the magazine Kinder! explains in an article about starting school why handwriting is important and how to ensure a successful start in the world of letters.

SMI KompetenzSpinne EinstiegsbildAugust 2018

Praxis der Psychomotorik: specialist article from the Schreibmotorik Institut on the SMI CompetenceWeb

Measuring children’s writing ability to provide them with early support – movement as the key to better writing: the SMI CompetenceWeb is a practical analytical tool for teachers in pre-school and primary school.

PixabayJune 2018

HausArzt patient magazine: start writing again!

Even though typing on keyboards and touchscreens is omnipresent, writing by hand has many advantages: it supports memory function, promotes creativity and emphasises your personality. In this interview, Dr. Christian Marquardt stresses the importance of good writing tuition in developing efficient handwriting: ”while typing on a keyboard always involves the same movement, when I write by hand I am composing a motor pattern, developing a rhythm in bringing thought processes to paper.”

Website der Zeitschrift HausArzt PatientenMagazin

PixabayJune 2018

“Schule” magazine: how handwriting helps when thinking

In Issue No. 3/2018, Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer explains why handwriting is so important. Learning to write is a complex process that – with the right support – is nevertheless worth it.

PixabayMarch 2018

Süddeutsche Zeitung Online: The Schreibmotorik Institut as an expert on the subject of handwriting and digitalisation

If people gradually stop writing by hand due to digitalisation, it could have far-reaching consequences. The principal of a boarding school near Rosenheim, Germany favours digital ink. Students in the ninth year and above can choose to do away entirely with the usual pen and paper. The article by Katrin Blawat describes the consequences of this development in great detail: it cites several studies and gives numerous experts, including Dr Christian Marquardt, the scientific advisor for the Schreibmotorik Institut, the chance to have their say.

Das Ende der Tinte – Die Menschen verlernen das Schreiben mit Stift und Papier. Das könnte noch unerwartete Folgen haben

Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer auf der Modern Teacher Conference in Budapest18 April 2018

Presentation by Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer at the “Modern Teacher Conference” in Budapest

321 teachers and educators attended the second Modern Teacher Conference in Budapest on 18 April to learn about innovative teaching methods and new concepts and exchange ideas. The institute director, Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, spoke on the significance of handwriting in the digital age. The future is digital. Media is constantly developing, but writing by hand is one of the most user-friendly forms of human-machine interaction. It is direct, intuitive, versatile and creative.

Kritzelpaten im Kindergarten Walburgisheim28 February 2018

Scribble mentors at the Walburgisheim Feucht kindergarten

Scribbling, drawing and writing are the focus of activities when Olivia Skatulla, Karin Krieg and Thiemo Kühner visit the pre-schoolers at the Walburgisheim kindergarten. The three Schwan Stabilo employees are a part of the “Scribble Mentor”– a project of the “Handwriting 2020” campaign. The visit by the Stabilo employees was even reported by the Nürnberger Nachrichten newspaper.

Scribble mentors at the Walburgisheim Feucht kindergarten

Foto: Pixabay14 April 2018

 Zeit Online: We are forgetting how to write by hand

Writing by hand has many positive effects and is one of the biggest cultural achievements of mankind. However, this is increasingly becoming a lost art because people now prefer to type on computers and smartphones. What does this mean for children’s development? Dr. Christian Marquardt, the scientific advisor for the Schreibmotorik Institut, believes that “when we write by hand, we listen more attentively.” This is also beneficial for learning.

Schreiben: Wir verlernen die Handschrift (i.e. Writing: we are forgetting how to write by hand)

SMI KompetenzSpinneMarch 2018

Die Grundschulzeitschrift: article by the Schreibmotorik Institut on the topic of “handwriting”

The March issue of the Friedrich Verlag’s Grundschulzeitschrift deals with the subject of handwriting. Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, Dr. Christian Marquardt and Karl Söhl present the SMI CompetenceWeb in this issue. In practice, this has proved to be a suitable instrument for evaluating the writing skills of children between the ages of four and seven. This simple but reliable instrument allows teachers and educators to recognise the children’s potential for development and help them develop efficient, fluid, legible and fatigue-free handwriting.

Issue 308/2018 of “Die Grundschulzeitschrift”

SMI KompetenzSpinneMarch 2018

The Schweizer Papeterien und Spielwarendetaillisten’s magazine, Haptik, reports on the SMI CompetenceWeb

Handwriting is important, especially in the digital age. This was also emphasised at didacta 2018 by the Schreibmotorik Institut, who presented a new instrument for easily assessing children’s handwriting skills: the SMI CompetenceWeb. This helps develop children’s writing motor skills at an early age. Because: “Writing by hand is much more than processing information. There are many individual, personal aspects to it and it promotes cognitive development,” says scientific advisor for the Schreibmotorik Institut, Dr. Christian Marquardt.

Haptik Website

Urkunde für Kinder, die am Projekt Kritzelpate teilnehmen, Foto: Tina Umlauf14 March 2018

Introducing pre-school children to writing in a playful way – 450 scribble hours passed as part of the “scribble mentor” project

Employees from various companies visit kindergartens to volunteer as scribble mentors and join preschool children in experimenting with pen and paper. Pre-school children are already benefiting from individual support in the form of more than 450 scribble hours nationwide. They are therefore well prepared to embark on the adventure of learning to write. Further kindergarten visits are planned.

Bildungsmesse didacta; Foto: Schreibmotorik Institut20 TO 24 February 2018

The Schreibmotorik Institut presented the SMI CompetenceWeb at “didacta” 2018

At this year’s “didacta” education trade fair, the Schreibmotorik Institut team showed educators and teachers how to assess handwriting ability easily, reliably and based upon skill using the SMI CompetenceWeb. The Schreibmotorik Institut advisory service was very well received by visitors.

Dr. Christian Marquardt6 January 2018

Echo Online: Movement – and not the system – is the key to better writing

“Many teachers believe that motor skills are developed through as much repetition as possible – but this approach is incorrect. It is not about accuracy and perfection. It is about developing a certain movement rhythm – just like riding a bike: I don’t start out by moving in a straight line in slow motion, but rather try to keep my balance first”, says Dr. Christian Marquardt. The Schreibmotorik Institut advocates the early promotion of dexterity.

Movement – not the system – is the key to better writing 

Foto: Tina Umlauf23 January 2018

Handwriting Day: scientist demonstrates effective early promotion of writing motor skills

On 23 January is Handwriting Day. More and more children are having problems with handwriting – a preventative approach to promoting motor skills can counteract this. Four- and five-year-olds at two pre-schools in Cologne and Ingolstadt demonstrate just how effortless this is in practice under the guidance of Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer.

marianela dradio teaser1 January 2018

Welt Online: Why handwriting is important

Together with Heinz-Peter Meidinger, President of the German Union of Teachers [Deutscher Lehrerverband, DL] and Simone Fleischmann, President of the Bavarian Union of Teachers [ Bayerischer Lehrer- und Lehrerinnenverbandes, BLLV], Institute Director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer explains why handwriting continues to be important in the digital age.

“We are clinging on to handwriting”

Foto: Tina Umlauf21 January 2018

“didacta” 2018: interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt

The importance of handwriting in the era of digitalisation was communicated by the Schreibmotorik Institut at this year’s “didacta”. In a “didacta” interview, Dr. Christian Marquardt advocated modernisation of handwriting lessons: “The increasing use of digital devices such as smartphones and PCs leads to a reduction in the complexity of using one’s hands. The important creativity of using one’s hands is in particular decline in children.

“More than a tip: the learning of handwriting remains important!”

Foto: Tina Umlauf23 January 2018

Handwriting Day: Media reports on the importance of handwriting

23 January is Handwriting Day. The handwritten signature of John Hancock (1737 –1793) on the American Declaration of Independence is particularly striking because of its size. The birthday of the first signatory of this document is celebrated every year in the USA as National Handwriting Day to commemorate the importance of handwriting.

Foto: Pixabay24 November 2017

Salzburger Nachrichten: On the significance of handwriting

The Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper conducted an interview on the significance of handwriting with Institute Director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer and Executive Director Karin Krieg at the Interpädagogica trade fair. The experts’ most important findings:

Das “International Symposium on Handwriting Skills 2017” in der TU Darmstadt. Foto: Milena Mayer / SMINovember 2017

2nd International Symposium on Handwriting Skills in Darmstadt

“The media are changing, but handwriting remains.” And, “Education needs handwriting in a sensible digital context.” These were two working theses that scientists, teacher trainers, representatives of culture ministries as well as teachers and occupational therapists discussed at an international symposium held by the Schreibmotorik Institut in cooperation with the TU Darmstadt’s Institute for Ergonomics in one of the university’s guest houses.

Foto: Stabilo10 November 2017

WDR 5 Leonardo: Dr. Christian Marquardt as an expert on the programme

Science in conversation: Why do we still need handwriting? In addition to other topics, the November edition of scientific magazine Leonardo looked at this question in depth. Dr. Christian Marquardt was a guest on the live show once again.

WDR 5 Leonardo: download the programme as a podcast

StabiloOktober 2017

The training of writing motor skills helps: research results of the Schreibmotorik Institut in Didaktik Deutsch.

The writing motor skills of school beginners are disparate. A special programme of writing motor skills exercises is useful in ensuring all children learn to write well and fluidly. It has been proven to improve the handwriting speed and pressure of first-year pupils.

Stifte, PixabayOctober 2017

Parents and teachers are worried: Schreibmotorik Institut article in the journal “Ergotherapie und Rehabilitation”

The article written by Institute Director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, scientific advisor Dr. Christian Marquardt and occupational therapist Anne Klimen is the first in a series of articles devoted to the role of writing motor skills in the process of learning to write. The article begins by focusing on presenting the extent and the causes of emerging handwriting problems.

StabiloOctober 2017

Research results of the Schreibmotorik Institut: Most children start writing their name at the age of four

Pre-school children are usually highly motivated to learn to write. Through a survey of mothers, the Schreibmotorik Institut, Heroldsberg, has now investigated children’s first attempts at writing. After all, even in the digital age, handwriting is still of vital importance.

Malende Kinder, StabiloSeptember 2017

It’s all about motor skills: article by Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer in the journal “Die Grundschule”

Legible handwriting and a pleasant writing experience are based on coordinated hand and finger movements. Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer’s article addresses the issue of the motor problems identified by teachers in a nationwide teachers’ survey in 2015 and the need for urgent action to support children as early as at pre-school age in motor learning. .

Pixabay18 September 2017

Five years of the Schreibmotorik Institut: we work to improve the promotion of handwriting

The non-profit research institute has already achieved a great deal in the past five years: numerous research projects have led to a better understanding of the process of learning to write, the 2015 nationwide teachers’ survey conducted in cooperation with the German Union of Teachers [Deutsche Lehrerverband] met with a great response in the media and the “Handwriting 2020” campaign launched in 2016 for the promotion of handwriting has received support in educational policy. In 2017, the Schreibmotorik Institut is tackling the issue of handwriting in the context of digitalisation.

Staatssekretär Müller zu Gast im Schreibmotorik Institut21 August 2017

“Handwriting 2020” campaign: State Secretary Stefan Müller pledges political support

The “Handwriting 2020” campaign for the promotion of writing motor skills gets political backing: “We want to do everything we can to support this important initiative”, said Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Education and Research Stefan Müller during his visit to the Schreibmotorik Institut, Heroldsberg, one of the founders of the Handwriting campaign.

Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer8 August 2017

Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer in an interview with the newspaper “Augsburger Allgemeine”

Nearly 40 percent of six-to-nine-year-olds in Germany have a smartphone. The same percentage of primary school teachers participating in the nationwide teachers’ survey conducted by Schreibmotorik Institut and the German Union on Teachers [Deutscher Lehrerverband] found fault with their pupils’ writing performance: poor fine motor skills and slow, illegible and cramped writing. For many of them, this is associated with digitalisation. Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer stresses the following point: “Writing is indispensable for the learning effect and for children’s retentiveness and cognitive development.”

Children and Media study: For children, the pen is becoming a foreign body

Kritzelpate mit Kind; Schreibmotorik Institut20 August 2017

Praxis der Psychomotorik: journal presents the “scribble mentors” project

The aim of the “scribble mentors” project is to introduce preschool children to writing by means of movement games. Employees from local companies visit nursery schools and train the children’s motor skills through play. The Schreibmotorik Institut launched this project as part of the Handwriting 2020 campaign and provides the exercise materials developed for it.

Issue number 3/2017 of the journal “Praxis der Psychomotorik”

Foto: Pixabay1 August 2017

Passauer Neue Presse: The importance of handwriting

This article presents the views of Dr. Christian Marquardt and other experts, the findings of the nationwide teachers’ and parents’ surveys and the “Handwriting 2020” campaign.

To write or to type? Handwriting is the subject of dispute

Foto: Pixabay11 July 2017

Münchner Merkur: Handwriting – all well and good?

Calligraphy is making a comeback. Some people find it so fascinating that they are consciously turning back to pen and paper. Handlettering, designing artistic lettering, is in. But not in schools. Primary school children are finding it increasingly difficult to write fluidly and legibly by hand. About 80 percent of primary school teachers in the nationwide teacher survey conducted by the Schreibmotorik Institut and the German Union of Teachers [Deutsche Lehrerverband, DL] in 2015 say that children do not have adequate motor skills to learn neat handwriting.

Competition from phones: Calligraphy is becoming popular again – or is it? 

Herzo.TV: Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer im InterviewJune 2017

Herzo.TV: Scribble Mentors at Puma generate fun with pen and paper.

The local television channel from Herzogenaurach reports on the Scribble Mentors project: in May, sporting goods manufacturer PUMA invited pre-school children from various kindergartens in the area to visit.

Dr. Christian MarquardtMay 2017

Goethe-Institut: “A lot of positive transfer effects” – Interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt

Dr. Christian Marquardt, scientific advisor for the Schreibmotorik Institut, speaks in an interview about the significance of handwriting in classrooms and in everyday life, the roll of motor skills and the need to reform how we learn to write.

Handwriting: “A lot of positive transfer effects”

Die deutsche Fußballnationalspielerin Kathrin Hendrich unterstützt das Projekt „Kritzelpate“. Foto: Blanca Melendez Photography24 May 2017

PUMA employees are getting involved as Scribble Mentors

It’s loud, but that’s hardly a surprise: 50 pre-school children in high spirits are colouring in templates, scrunching up paper and taking active part in finger games. It could be a scene from a kindergarten, yet they are actually playing in the company headquarter of the sporting goods company “Puma” in Herzogenaurach, Germany. It’s the start of the “Scribble Mentor” project, launched by the Heroldsberg-based Schreibmotorik Institut and the Didacta Association.

news4teachers: Better handwriting: “scribble mentors” practise fine motor skills with pre-school children in a fun way

Foto: Pixabay6 May 2017

Hannoversche Allgemeine newspaper: Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer on the Handwriting 2020 campaign in the article “Die Schönschreiber” [the calligraphers]

While many adults rarely write by hand, others find it so fascinating that they are consciously turning back to pen and paper. Handlettering, designing artistic lettering, is in. The article about calligraphers also considers the problems that children have when learning to write. The “Handwriting 2020” campaign, briefly introduced by Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, promotes handwriting. “The aim is to utilise the potential to learn handwriting in kindergartens and schools, as well as at home.” The focus here is not on calligraphy and protecting a cultural technique, but on educational opportunities.

HAZ.de: “Comeback der Handschrift – Die Schönschreiber” [The return of handwriting – the calligraphers] 

Pixabay4 March 2017

Nürnberger Nachrichten: Handlettering as a trend to counter computer fonts

Even children are more and more often typing on keyboards or mobile phones, adults rarely write by hand anymore and Finland is abolishing cursive writing: the media often pose the question of whether handwriting is still at all appropriate. As a writing motor skills expert and popular interview partner, Dr. Christian Marquardt emphasises again and again that handwriting activates important areas of the brain. Studies confirm that notes written by hand are easier to remember.

Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer in einem Kindergarten22 February 2017

BR Frankenschau: fun motor skill exercises with scribble mentors

Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, Institute Director, and the scribble mentor Marcel Drießlein from the Markus Slany Tennis School visit the St. Marien Catholic Kindergarten in Eckenhaid and introduce preschool children to writing in a fun way. Dr. Christian Marquardt stresses the importance of fluid handwriting for later school success.

Das Team des Schreibmotorik Instituts auf der didacta14 to 18 February 2017

The Schreibmotorik Institut at didacta 2017

To find new ways for exchanging ideas and future education – that was what motivated 85,000 visitors and 860 exhibitors from 47 countries at didacta. The Schreibmotorik Institut presented the Handwriting 2020 campaign, a joint project together with the Didacta Association for the promotion of handwriting.

Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer23 January 2017

Deutschlandfunk Nova: Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer in a radio interview about Handwriting Day

For Handwriting day, an article from the Deutschlandfunk Nova editorial conference critically examined the topic of handwriting.

Tastatur und Stift; Copyright: Pixabay25 November 2016

heute+ on ZDF: television interview with Schreibmotorik Institut executive director Karin Krieg

In the segment “Keyboard vs. ink – does handwriting have a future?”, Karin Krieg explains that, in contrast to typing on a keyboard, handwriting demonstrably improves memory retention. The most important thing in the future will be creating a reasonable symbiosis between handwriting and digital processing. Modern education and modern work require both.

heute+ 25.11.2016: video (in German)

Copyright: Pixabay10 November 2016

“If you write, you’ll be bright” – Dr Christian Marquardt in an interview with cantaloup.fm

In a joint contribution to the Tübingen University radio station with Prof. Dr Ingrid Barkow from the University of Ludwigsburg, Dr Christian Marquardt explained why handwriting increases memory retention and why a “scrawl” isn’t so bad.

Cantaloup.fm: „Wer schreibt, wird g'scheit“ (i.e. "If you write, you'll be bright")

Titel Band 142 Grundschrift1  OCtober 2016

Interview with Dr Christian Marquardt in volume 142 of a series of books published by the German Primary School Association [Grundschulverband]

A detailed discussion between Erika Brinkmann, vice chair of the German Primary School Association [Grundschulverband], and Dr Christian Marquardt about the problems children have in developing handwriting. Title of the interview: Research findings: Dissatisfaction with children’s handwriting – causes and remedies [“Aus der Forschung: Unzufrieden mit der Handschrift der Kinder – Ursachen und Abhilfen”.]

Order volume 142 „Grundschrift – Kinder entwickeln ihre Handschrift“

Christian Marquardt

30 September 2016

“You should be able to write without cramping” – Dr. Christian Marquardt on profil.at

The article “Schreibkrämpfe” (writer’s cramp) on profil.at broaches the issue of the supposed competition between the keyboard and pen on paper. Experts are warning against the consequences of handwriting disappearing from everyday life. Dr. Christian Marquardt, the scientific advisor for the Schreibmotorik Institut, pleads for an impartial approach to the topic: “It is not expedient to demonise technology or play computers off against handwriting. It is much more important to help each child develop flowing, legible handwriting. “You should be able to write without cramping.”

Profil.at: Schreibkrämpfe

smi mappe teaser

18 September 2016

FOUR YEARS OF SCHREIBMOTORIK INSTITUT

It’s all about motor skills! For 4 years, the independent Schreibmotorik Institut, founded in September 2012, has promoted this principle. The aim: legible, flowing and efficient handwriting without tiring. The institute has therefore pooled the special knowledge of leading experts in the motor skills, ergonomics and education fields..

Tiroler Tageszeitung31 August 2016

“More movement needed for handwriting” – Dr Christian Marquardt in an interview with the Tiroler Tageszeitung

In a discussion with Phillipp Schwartze, Dr Christian Marquardt talked about problems with handwriting, the causes of these and the best way to tackle them. Here are a few quotes from the interview:

2016 10 Kleine Zeitung24 October 2016

“Reading between the lines” – Dr. Christian Marquardt in the Kleine Zeitung, Austria

Writing is much more than just the script on the paper. School beginners know this all too well. They constantly practice correctly imitating a predefined letter shape. While some of them are enthusiastic, for others it’s a very difficult process. And not particularly useful, according to Dr. Christian Marquardt: “Struggling to copy neat letters impairs children’s writing.”

Kinderschutz aktuell - Die Zeitschrift des KinderschutzbundesAugust 2016

Legible, fluid, efficient? The Schreibmotorik Institut contribution to the Deutscher Kinderschutzbund (child protection agency) magazine

A person’s handwriting is as unique as their fingerprints. Their writing style has its own individual character from the very first time they try to write. Institute Director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, scientific advisor Dr. Christian Marquardt and scientific assistant Manuela Schneider report on the acquisition of good handwriting. The KSA magazine is published four times a year with different areas of focus.

Download the Kinderschutzbunde magazine (in German)

Mädchen mit Stift19 August 2016

Training HANDWRITING skills instead of copying: a recommendation from Dr Christian Marquardt in an interview with Austria Presse Agentur

For many children starting school, learning to write means struggling to “copy” accurately shaped letters. However, it is far more important to focus on handwriting skills from the very beginning. The majority of problems children have with handwriting are associated with underdeveloped handwriting skills.

Foto: Schreibmotorik Institut1 April 2016

“Not so cautious!” – An article on the “Handwriting 2020 campaign” in “Grundschule” magazine

The Schreibmotorik Institut and Didacta Association “Handwriting 2020” campaign calls for improved promotion of handwriting in kindergartens and schools. Laura Millmann’s article in the April edition of the “Grundschule” magazine provides concrete information about the “Handwriting 2020” campaign and describes its practical application in a childcare centre in Cologne.

Vortrag Dr. Christian Marquardt5 March 2016

Speech held by Dr. Christian Marquardt at the annual meeting of the National Handwriting Association in London

At the invitation of the chair of the National Handwriting Association (NHA), Dr. Angela Webb, Dr. Christian Marquardt gave a speech on “Handwriting and Movement” at the general meeting.

Copyright: Pixabay7 March 2016

WDR 5 Leonardo: Dr Christian Marquardt as an expert on the future of handwriting

In addition to other topics, the March edition of scientific journal Leonardo tackled the subject of handwriting. Dr Christian Marquardt was a guest on the live show and answered questions from both the host and the audience. What are the concrete problems that children have when learning to write? What is the purpose of handwriting?

WDR 5 Leonardo: podcast (in German)

Schreibmotorik Institut press conference at Didacta 201617 February 2016

Numerous media reports about the parent survey presented at Didacta and the “Handwriting 2020” campaign

The immense media response and coverage of the parent survey on problems with handwriting presented at the Didacta trade fair for education and training proves: handwriting is and will remain a very important educational issue.

© Didacta17 FEBRUARY 2016

Press conference at Didacta, 17 February 2016 in cologne: The Schreibmotorik Institut and the Bundeselternrat [German Federal Parents Council] presented a nationwide parent survey – the “Handwriting 2020” campaign has begun

A recent survey conducted on behalf of the Schreibmotorik Institut, Heroldsberg, in cooperation with the Bundeselternrat, makes it clear that even in the digital age, handwriting is still an important educational issue – too many children are having problems with it. The Didacta Association and the Schreibmotorik Institut have now launched the “Handwriting 2020” campaign, which aims to improve the promotion of graphomotor skills.

Trying it out to understand: consciously training graphomotor skills at Didacta 2016.16–20 February 2016

Keen interest in graphomotor skills at Didacta 2016: diverse workshops, graphomotor exercises and information at the Schreibmotorik stand

At the Schreibmotorik stand at the Didacta trade fair for education and training, (prospective) teachers, nursery-school teachers and parents learned how children’s handwriting can be promoted in a targeted and efficient way with a colourful programme of scientific workshops and playful exercises.

Dr. Ing. Marianela Diaz Meyer, head of the Schreibmotorik Institut, in an interview. © hl-studiosOctober 2015

Great Media Response to the International Symposium 2015

The International Symposium on Handwriting Skills, organised by the Schreibmotorik Institut, Heroldsberg and the Bereich Innovation und Beratung Deutsches Bildungsressort Autonome Provinz Bozen was well received by the media in South Tyrol and Germany.

International Meeting of Authorised Trainers of the Schreibmotorik Institut 20158 October 2015

International Meeting of Authorised Trainers of the Schreibmotorik Institut 2015

A meeting and exchange between the Authorised Trainers of the Schreibmotorik Institut 2015 on the topic of “Strategies for promoting automated handwriting“ took place in Bolzano.

First International Symposium © hl-studios 9 October 2015

First International Symposium: Researchers discuss handwriting

An international symposium, jointly organised by the Schreibmotorik Institut, Heroldsberg, and the Bereich Innovation und Beratung Deutsches Bildungsressort Autonome Provinz Bozen, at Schloss Rechtenthal in Tramin presented approaches on how to counteract children’s motor weaknesses.

Magazine “Grundschule Deutsch”September 2015

Practical teaching ideas from the Schreibmotorik Institut in the magazine “Grundschule Deutsch”

Karl Söhl, Dr Christian Marquardt and Dr Ing. Marianela Diaz Meyer have composed a practice-based article for the magazine “Grundschule Deutsch”, with concrete teaching suggestions and worksheets for teaching handwriting in the first and second years of primary school.

Zeitschrift GrundschuleSeptember 2015

Results of the national teachers’ survey in “Grundschule” magazine

“Grundschule” magazine by Westermann Verlag has published the results of the national teachers’ survey conducted by the German Union of Teachers and the Schreibmotorik Institut in its September edition.

Order the September edition 2015 of “Grundschule” magazine

Children at writing11  August 2015

Combating increasing problems with handwriting: teachers from North Rhine-Westphalia want pupils to train their motor skills more effectively

After the publication of the results of the national teacher survey carried out by the Schreibmotorik Institut together with the German Union of Teachers (Deutscher Lehrerverband), the first qualitative analysis of answers to an open question is now available for North Rhine-Westpahlia.

Dr. Christian Marquardt 4  August 2015

In an interview, Dr. Christian Marquardt advocates increased focus upon the training of motor skills.

In an interview with the “Kirchenbote”, motor skills expert Dr. Christian Marquardt expressed his opinion on the results of the national teachers’ survey. According to these results, many more school children are having problems with handwriting than previously thought. In order to counteract this, Marquardt wishes to place more concentration on the training of motor skills and more support towards achieving an individual handwriting style that derives from the learned printed and written styles, as well as for further handwriting lessons beyond the first two classes.

Motorikexperte im Interview: Probleme beim Schreibenlernen? (i.e. Motor skills expert interviewed: problems with learning to write?)

Vortrag auf Konferenz, Foto: Pixabay4 July 2015

Schreibmotorik Institut lecture at the 11th International Conference on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in Toulouse

At the International Conference on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in Toulouse, France, Dr. Christian Marquardt gave a lecture with the title “Kinematic movement analysis in handwriting: A diagnostic tool to enhance training in writers with and without DCD”. Dr.-Ing. Marianela Diaz Meyer was coauthor.

Schreiben; Foto: PixabayJune 2015

Several Ministers of Culture and Education, as well as chairpersons of teachers Unions, have commented on the results of the national teacher survey

After the publication of the results of the survey of teachers on handwriting a whole range of Ministers of Culture and Education, as well as chairpersons of teachers unions in Germany pledged for promoting handwriting, which has positive influence on successful learning..

Medienvielfalt in der Deutschdidaktik – Erkenntnisse und Perspektiven für Theorie, Empirie und PraxisJune 2015

Article by Dr. Christian Marquardt in the book "Medienvielfalt in der Deutschdidaktik" (i.e. Media variety in German teaching methodology)

"It is all about motor skills! Diagnosing and promoting writing motor skills in written language acquisition" – together with the chair of teaching methodology German for primary education at Saarland University, the Scientific Advisory Committee Member at the Schreibmotorik Institut, Dr. Christian Marquardt, has published an extensive article.

The book “Media variety in German teaching methodology – insights and perspectives for theory, empiricism and practice”

Chair of teaching methodology German for primary education at Saarland University

Mädchen mit Stift, Copyright: pixabay11 June 2015

Even the ÄrzteZeitung (GErman Medical Journal) reports on the problems of German pupils with handwriting

The results of the nationwide survey of teachers carried out by the Schreibmotorik Institut and the German Teacher's Union are also relevant for the readers of the daily newspaper on health topics: problems with handwriting can have far reaching consequences.

Bei immer mehr Schülern: Handschrift? Setzen, sechs (i.e. Applies for more and more pupils: handwriting? Gets the worst marks)

Zeitschrift SchuleAktiv!22 May 2015

Promoting handwriting: Schreibmotorik Institut article in the magazine „SchuleAktiv!“ (i.e. School active)

The Article by the Scientific Advisory Committee Members Dr. Christian Marquardt and Karl Söhl and institute director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer addresses writing motor skills in detail.

Schüler19  May 2015 

Dr. Christian Marquardt as expert in an article of the scientific magazine Spektrum.de

Spektrum.de deals in its series “School and learning” with handwriting in a detailed article. For Dr. Christian Marquardt the question how children make it from painfully learned letters to a fluent individual handwriting is crucial: “We need to better research writing and motor skills in order to support children to develop a quick and legible but also ergonomic handwriting.”

Spektrum.de: „Von Hand gelernt"(i.e. “Learned by hand“)

Dr. Christian Marquardt30 April 2015

Dr. Christian Marquardt as An expert at a hearing at the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia

“Fluent or redundant?” was the title of the hearing at the school committee of North Rhine-Westpahlia on the topic of "handwriting". Dr. Christian Marquardt, scientific advisory committee member for motor skills at the Schreibmotorik Institut, presented the results of the nation wide survey of teachers and advised to use new methods in writing lessons. The Schreibmotorik Institut as research institution develops scientifically valid approaches to counteract an illegible and slow handwriting of children, because “children have big problems with accelerating the originally learned standard lettering and that's the reason for bad legibility”, says Marquardt.

Flüssig oder überflüssig? Anhörung im Schulausschuss zum Thema „Handschrift“ (i.e. Fluent or redundant? Hearing at the school committee on the topic of "handwriting")

Dr. Christian MarquardtApril 2015

Huge media response to the results of the nationwide survey of teachers

The media reports on the results of the nationwide survey of teachers about problems with handwriting, carried out by the Schreibmotorik Institut and the German Teacher's Association, reached more than 20 million people.

Bundespressekonferenz 1  April 2015

Federal Press Conference: The German Union of Teachers and the Schreibmotorik Institut present the results of a nationwide survey of teachers

A press conference on “Problems with handwriting – consequences also for school policy in Germany“ took place in the building of the Federal Press Conference in Berlin on April 1st. Josef Kraus, president of the German Union of Teachers (Deutscher Lehrerverband, DL) and Dr. Christian Marquardt, scientific advisory committee member of the Schreibmotorik Institut presented the results of the survey among teachers. It reveals: Problems with handwriting at school are increasing.

didacta MagazinMarch 2015

“Via the hand into the brain” – The Schreibmotorik Institut in the magazine “didacta”

Handwriting helps with learning. But it seems that more and more pupils have problems with it. By means of a survey the Schreibmotorik Institut and the German Teacher's Association want to capture the extent of those problems and develop proposals for solution. A report in the magazine “didacta – the magazine for lifelong learning”, issue 1/2015 and an interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt.

didacta – the magazine for lifelong learning

Zeitschrift GrundschuleMarch 2015

Articles by Schreibmotorik Institut experts in the magazine “Grundschule“ (i.e. Primary school)

The magazine “Grundschule“ published by Westermann editorial deals in its March issue with the topic “Handwriting – a phase-out model?”. The scientific advisory committee members Dr. Christian Marquardt and Karl Söhl each wrote an article on that. Institute director Dr.-Ing. Marianela Diaz Meyer speaks in an interview about the goals of the Schreibmotorik Institut. The Schreibmotorik Institut contributed in a decisive way to de development of the issue.

Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer at didacta 201524-28 February 2015

Various Lectures at didacta – Trade Fair for Education and Training

The Schreibmotorik Institut team together with employees of the chair of teaching methodology German for primary education at Saarland University held various lectures on various topics around learning to write at STABILO International's fair stand.

Dr. Christian Marquardt10 February 2015

How handwriting affects our brain – Interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt in the Austrian Newspaper Wiener Zeitung

A detailed interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt on the importance of handwriting, motoric learning and experimenting with letters and script.

Jonathan Kim / flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)January 2015

Finland withdraws cursive handwriting from the curriculum: Dr. Christian Marquardt gave interviews for Spiegel Online and other media

As of 2016, Finnish primary school pupils should primarily learn how to type on a keyboard. Cursive handwriting will only be taught if the teacher wants to. German educational experts are critical of this. Among them Dr. Christian Marquardt, who speaks in interviews with Spiegel Online, Deutschlandradio Kultur (i.e. German culture radio) and other media about the advantages of handwriting.

1. Vorstand Sebastian Schwanhäußer im Interview mit N24January 2015

1st executive director Sebastian Schwanhäußer gives N24 an interview

Video by the news broadcaster N24: Many prefer phones, tablets or laptop keyboards instead of writing by hand. And yet studies show that a well developed handwriting is important for learning itself.

NOT Messe Niederlande: Der SchreibCoach im Einsatz27-31 January 2015

The Schreibmotorik Institut at the Fair "NOT" in the Netherlands

The Schreibmotorik Institut was represented at the national fair for teaching material NOT in Utrecht, Netherlands by the authorised trainer Henk Schweitzer.

Dr. Christian Marquardt23  January 2015

National Handwriting Day: „It is necessary to practise motor skills“

News4teachers focuses on the growing problems with learning to write on the National Handwriting Day: Motor skill expert Dr. Christian Marquardt gives an interview.

Article Berliner Kurier7 December 2014

“Is handwriting about to die out?” – The Schreibmotorik Institut in the newspaper Berliner Kurier

Dr. Christian Marquardt together with other experts explains in the newspaper Berliner Kurier from December 7th 2014 how the handwritten word is doing and why it mustn't die out.

Vom Wert der Handschrift: Patrick Schwanhäußer und Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer im Gespräch mit der österreichschen Zeitung "Die Presse"18 November 2014

“About the value of handwriting”

Executive director Sebatian Schwanhäußer and institute director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer in conversation with the Austrian newspaper “Die Presse” about the importance of handwriting and the most reasonable way of learning it.

derabend swr1 teaser3 November 2014

“I write, therefore I am!” – Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer and Dr. Christian Marquardt gave an interview on the radio

Training course for Writing Advisors (IHK = German Chamber of Industry and Commerce) 13/14 October & 20/21 November 2014

Second training course for Writing Advisors (IHK = German Chamber of Industry and Commerce)

The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Nuremberg for Middle Franconia together with the Schreibmotorik Institut trained nine Writing Advisors.

bild artikel cjd teaser7 September 2014

“Handwriting: Writing with pen on paper promotes cleverness” 

The Schreibmotorik Institut visits CJD_UPDATE, weblog and online magazine of the school CJD Jugenddorf-Christophorusschule Oberurff

Second education of authorised trainers of the Schreibmotorik Institut26/27 august 2014

Second education of authorised trainers of the Schreibmotorik Institut

As of now there are two more independent authorised trainers on hand for the Schreibmotorik Institut. They were trained in a two-day seminar in Vienna.

Süddeutsche Zeitung23 August 2014

“Writing? With the hand!” – The Schreibmotorik Institut in the newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung

In his article for the business section of the Süddeutsche Zeitung, author Uwe Ritzer addresses the situation of the writing utensil manufacturers in times of smartphones and tablet computers. It seems as writing by hand is fading from the spotlight.

Dr. Christian Marquardt27 May 2014

Learning How to Write in the Digital Era: Interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt on Deutschlandradio

Dr. Christian Marquardt, expert for handwriting and scientific advisor for motor skills at the Schreibmotorik Institut explains in an interview on Deutschlandradio how children learn to write nowadays.

Daniela Westner and Corinna Weis at didacta28 march 2014

The Schreibmotorik Institut gives a Lecture at didacta – Trade Fair for Education and Training: “Learning How to Write – It's all About Motor Skills.”

Learning how to write is first of all learning how to move the pen: If the motor skills are fine, the rest is easy. That's what a broad audience of experts learned from a joint lecture held by Daniela Westner, director of the Schreibmotorik Institut and Corinna Weis, research assistant at the Lehrstuhl Fachdidaktik Deutsch Primarstufe (chair of teaching methodology German for primary education) at Universität des Saarlandes (Saarland University) at didacta, the biggest trade fair for education and training in Europe.

Prof. Christian Marquardt at Deutschlehrertag, Copyright: Lehrstuhl Fachdidaktik Deutsch Primarstufe an der Universität des Saarlandes20 march 2014

The Schreibmotorik Institut Holds a Workshop at the Second Deutschlehrertag (German Teacher's Day) in Saarbrücken

“Efficient handwriting. It's all about motor skills”: the workshop showed possibilities how educators can lead children to a flowing, efficient, legible and fatigue free handwriting.

Expertentag am Schreibmotorik Institut17 February 2014

Expert Meeting at the Schreibmotorik Institut: What is Good Handwriting?

International dialogue with scientists and specialists from the fields of education, health care and sports

 

trainerschulung westner teaser28/29 january 2014

First Course for Authorised Trainers for the Schreibmotorik Institut

Together with the Centre for Further Education and Knowledge Management at OTH Regensburg (Eastern Bavarian technical university of applied sciences) the Schreibmotorik Institut instructed four international trainers in a two day training event with a concluding examination.

Daniela Westner20 november 2013

The Schreibmotorik Institut at the 8th Bad Rodach School Day

„Efficient Handwriting – it's all about motor skills!“ Technical lecture on the Writing Motor Skills System attracts interest of educators.

 

ph wien teaser7 november 2013

The Schreibmotorik Institut holds a seminar at the Pädagogische Hochschule (pedagogical university of applied sciences – PH) Vienna

40 teachers from Vienna attended the seminar "EASY schreiben lernen ohne K(r)ampf“ (Learning to write the easy way and without struggle/cramps) and took the opportunity to do further studies in the area of graphomotor skills.

kinderfreunde teaser18 october 2013

Further Training by the Schreibmotorik Institut for Educators of the Kinderfreunde Wien (Friends of Children, Vienna)

The Schreibmotorik Institut visits STABILO Austria's new rooms.

Forschungsauftrag Grundschule Eckental-Eschenau16 July 2013

Schreibmotorik Institut conducts research project at Eckental-Eschenau primary school

Pupils at the Eckental-Eschenau primary school have made an important contribution to the research carried out by the Schreibmotorik Institut – by having their writing behaviour extensively analysed during lessons.

Unteres Bild
Randspalte-Rechts