Could a return to pen and paper in schools benefit children’s learning? The idea of stepping back from tech and opting for more traditional learning may sound like a step in the wrong direction but could it improve skills such as handwriting and spelling; Sweden think so.

Sweden’s Schools minister Lotta Edholm moves students away from digital devices and on to books and handwriting, with teachers and experts debating the pros and cons.

Since young children went back to school across Sweden recently, many of their teachers have been putting a new emphasis on printed books, quiet reading time and handwriting practice. In turn devoting less time to tablets, independent online research and keyboarding skills. The move aims to improve traditional skills such as spelling, reading and handwriting. 

Some may say this approach is more conducive to shared learning and more hands on. With the move away from solo working and online research it could assist also in skills such as teamwork and discussion.

The return to more traditional ways of learning is a response to politicians and experts questioning whether Sweden’s hyper-digitalised approach to education, including the introduction of tablets in nursery schools, had led to a decline in basic skills.

While we cannot deny the importance of computer skills in todays world, less tech heavy learning could enable students to learn in a more varied way.

Sweden’s minister for schools, Lotta Edholm, who took office 11 months ago stated “Sweden’s students need more textbooks,” “Physical books are important for student learning.”

The minister announced in August that the government wanted to reverse the decision by the national agency for education to make digital devices mandatory in preschools. It plans to go further and to completely end digital learning for children under age six, the ministry has told the Associated Press.

So do you agree? Could the changes improve the skills of our children & will other countries follow suit if proven successful? 

Read the full article on The Guardian’s website.