Effect of an Instructional Program for Word Processing and Efficient Typing on 'Year 4 Students' Composition

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Effect of an Instructional Program for Word Processing and Efficient Typing on 'Year 4 Students' Composition
Language: English
Authors: Nagham Gahshan, Naomi Weintraub
Source: Reading and Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal. 2025 38(9):2661-2683.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 23
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Grade 4
Intermediate Grades
Descriptors: Elementary School Students, Grade 4, Word Processing, Computer Use, Writing (Composition), Computer Literacy, Language Arts, Keyboarding (Data Entry)
DOI: 10.1007/s11145-024-10613-9
ISSN: 0922-4777
1573-0905
Abstract: Elementary-school students are increasingly required to compose texts on computers. Composing involves both higher-level (planning, translating and revising) and lower-level (i.e., transcription) skills. It is assumed that automatic lower-level skills enable students to focus their attention on the higher composition demands. However, while composing instruction is part of the language arts curriculum, computer literacy instruction (e.g., typing and word processing [WP]) receives less attention. This disparity may affect composition performance, but the evidence for this premise is limited. To address this gap, the Word Processing and Typing Instructional Program (WoTIP) was developed which is grounded in motor learning, ergonomics, and self-regulated learning principles, and incorporated within a language arts curriculum via a collaborative consultation model. The study examined: (a) if the WoTIP will improve students' typing speed, WP, and composition performance compared to a 'no touch-typing or WP instruction' control group; and (b) if improvement in typing and WP will be associated with enhanced composition performance. This study included Grade 4 students (N = 51). Findings showed that the WoTIP group (n = 27) significantly improved their typing and WP performance, as well as their composition quantity and quality, compared to the control group (n = 24). Additionally, a low significant correlation was observed between WP and composition quantity and between typing, WP and composition quality. Hence, it appears that the WoTIP may be an effective program for enhancing both transcription and composing abilities of Grade 4 students.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1492587
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Elementary-school students are increasingly required to compose texts on computers. Composing involves both higher-level (planning, translating and revising) and lower-level (i.e., transcription) skills. It is assumed that automatic lower-level skills enable students to focus their attention on the higher composition demands. However, while composing instruction is part of the language arts curriculum, computer literacy instruction (e.g., typing and word processing [WP]) receives less attention. This disparity may affect composition performance, but the evidence for this premise is limited. To address this gap, the Word Processing and Typing Instructional Program (WoTIP) was developed which is grounded in motor learning, ergonomics, and self-regulated learning principles, and incorporated within a language arts curriculum via a collaborative consultation model. The study examined: (a) if the WoTIP will improve students' typing speed, WP, and composition performance compared to a 'no touch-typing or WP instruction' control group; and (b) if improvement in typing and WP will be associated with enhanced composition performance. This study included Grade 4 students (N = 51). Findings showed that the WoTIP group (n = 27) significantly improved their typing and WP performance, as well as their composition quantity and quality, compared to the control group (n = 24). Additionally, a low significant correlation was observed between WP and composition quantity and between typing, WP and composition quality. Hence, it appears that the WoTIP may be an effective program for enhancing both transcription and composing abilities of Grade 4 students.
ISSN:0922-4777
1573-0905
DOI:10.1007/s11145-024-10613-9