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Writing and Reading for All

We are a team of national and international researchers aiming to investigate the diverse factors that shape writing and reading development in primary education. We are particularly interested in learning more about how children’s transcription skills (e.g., handwriting, typing and spelling), reading abilities, executive functioning skills, and motivation for writing impact the development of effective writing. Since writing development is shaped by the context and the community in which it takes place, we are also interested in understanding how schools and families can foster the development of children’s writing skills and motivation for writing.

Teaching Writing for All in Primary Education

Teaching Writing for All in Primary Education

The main objective of this project was to provide critical information on writing instruction in Australian primary schools.

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Handwriting and keyboarding skills in the Early Years

Handwriting and keyboarding skills in the Early Years

This project investigates Year 2 students’ abilities, attitudes, and self-efficacy to write paper-based and keyboard-based texts and teaching practices promoting effective writing development, including practices for teaching handwriting and keyboarding skills.

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News

Australian students spend more time learning to write on paper than computers – does this need to change?

Australian students spend years learning handwriting, yet many receive little formal instruction in writing on computers. Researchers, Anabela Malpique and  Deborah Pino Pasternak say digital writing skills are now essential for school, study and work, and classrooms need to catch up.

The writing is on the wall — Are kids ditching pens for keyboards?

A nation-wide study of more than 500 Australian primary school students in Year 2 has revealed whether beginner writers' attitude and motivation towards both handwriting and keyboarding can be a major predictor of the quality of their writing.

Are primary students prepared to write in a digital world?

A nation-wide study on computer-based writing instruction in Australian classrooms has revealed that although primary school teachers found it was important to teach computer-based writing skills, most allocate less than one hour per week to the practice.

Publications

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Please email the team to learn more about the project.

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