Should Schools Make Students Use Fountain Pens?

Can Student’s Hand-Writing get better by using Fountain Pens?

Why do some schools still insist that students use fountain pens?  Because some tutors believe students can write better if they do.  Is there research to support this?  Is there an advantage to using a fountain pen over a biro or similar pen?

I believe there is.  Do you remember your first lovely fountain pen?  I am not talking about the first one you had to have at school, which probably cost a £1 and leaked all over the place.  My pen leaked everywhere.  I had really lousy handwriting, and my teachers always said it looked like “a spider had crawled out over the inkwell all over the paper”!  I am talking about a weighted pen with a beautifully thick, smooth nib which glides like water over the paper.  Your first ‘grown-up pen’.  I am not saying I started writing beautifully because I have always had awful handwriting, but I think it helped.

Should schools insist on fountain pens?  Should you buy an expensive fountain pen?

I think it is obvious, really.  Many of you will pay a lot for a good washing machine etc.  Why do you expect to get a cheap fountain pen and expect the student to produce beautiful handwriting?  Think about it; it doesn’t make sense.

When the child is ready, get them a decent starter pen.  A ‘Parker’ pen was always a good buy (it costs about £10 in Argos).  Encourage them to try to spend a little extra time writing.  As they progress, you can buy them a lovely weighted pen.  I think you will see the difference quite quickly.  It is certainly worth a try.

One point to mention is that I never let anyone use my pen.  There are two reasons for this. First, people forget to return them.  But more importantly, a nib is personal, and only you should use it as the nib ‘wears’ in a certain way.  You can find more on handwriting (dysgraphia) on my website.

Should tutors/schools insist on students using fountain pens?   Personally, I think it is a good idea, but I would like to see if there is any research to confirm this.  Your views are always very welcome.

Maria Chivers
Dated:  5th January 2023