The purpose of this study was to examine the current practice of handwriting analyzing the factors affecting middle school student attitudes towards handwriting. For the purpose, this reviewed literature relating to the effect of taking notes as well as the factors affecting the behavior of taking notes. A study on the effect of handwriting classifies according to memory, language skill, scholastic achievement, ability to think, and concentration. Note taking was examined according to preference of writing tool, physical abilities such as the power of vision or hand, and handwriting training.
The research was based on data from a survey of 346 middle school students (Year 1, 2, and 3 average age 13.5 years SD= .94) from nine different schools in Seoul and In-Cheon cities. Interviews were conducted (12 students: 2 male and 2 female students from each of the three middle school years). The results of the analysis are summarized as follows. First, the interviewee students believed that handwriting was useful for memory, summary, improvement in school grades, and performance evaluations. Second, handwriting assessment during class occurs more often than in everyday life and self-studying class. Third, the most frequently used tool for handwriting was a pen or mechanical pencil. Fourth, students believed that the handwriting of other students was better than their own. Fifth, the majority of the students noted that they learned how write letters from their mother, and wanted to improve handwriting style and skill.
The results of the study of middle school students’attitudes towards handwriting are summarized below. First, compared to male students, female students are more positive about handwriting. It was discovered that a positive attitude about handwriting diminished as students advanced through school. Second, students with a positive emotional attitude related to making, drawing, and scribbling had a positive attitude towards handwriting. Students with great ability in physical activity, eyesight, memory, and hand control had a positive attitude towards handwriting. Third, a positive attitude towards the Korean language(Hangeul) has a positive effect on handwriting. Fourth, students who frequently use computers had a negative attitude towards handwriting. In summary, this study showed that the factors such as gender, school year, emotional and physical factors, hours of computer use and attitude towards their mother tongue were statistically significant in predicting attitude towards handwriting among middle school students.