Left-Handed Students: A Forgotten Minority. Fastback 399

This fastback, a booklet bound "left-handed," is designed to help educators become aware of the problems faced by left-handed students in school and to suggest ways that many of the problems might be solved. Following an introduction discussing a personal experience with left-handedness, t...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author Kelly, Evelyn B
Format Web Resource
LanguageEnglish
Published Phi Delta Kappa 1996
Subjects
Adjustment (to Environment)
Adolescents
Children
Classroom Environment
Elementary Secondary Education
Eye Hand Coordination
Handedness
Lateral Dominance
Learning Problems
Left Handed Writer
Physical Education
Psychomotor Skills
Reading
Self Esteem
Student Needs
Teaching Methods
Vocational Education
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Summary:This fastback, a booklet bound "left-handed," is designed to help educators become aware of the problems faced by left-handed students in school and to suggest ways that many of the problems might be solved. Following an introduction discussing a personal experience with left-handedness, the booklet continues with a brief history of the treatment of left-handed people, noting that in Western countries there has always been pressure to use the right hand, as illustrated by the negative use of the word "left" and by efforts to change the handedness of children. Research and theories regarding handedness are then discussed, including views on lateral dominance and findings from genetic studies. The booklet describes school problems encountered by left-handed students in reading and writing, as well as problems encountered in using equipment designed for right-handed persons, especially in manual arts, music, business, and physical education classes. Problems with self-esteem that may result from these difficulties are also discussed. The booklet then presents ways teachers can alleviate difficulties in writing instruction by identifying left-handed students and planning special support and instructional techniques for teaching handwriting, while avoiding undue attention. The booklet suggests that the reading needs of left-handers may be met by closely observing left-handers, for whom the left-to-right direction may seem unnatural, and that vocational and physical education needs may be met by obtaining left-handed tools and by using mirroring as an instructional strategy. The booklet concludes with an essay by Benjamin Franklin regarding the pressures placed on left-handers. Contains 22 references. (KDFB)
ISBN:0873675991
9780873675994