Compositions are born from imagination and nurtured on knowledge and effective execution. To produce a sophisticated illustration, artists must have a deep and facile understanding of their subject and they must proficiently apply basic drawing techniques in order to produce the imagined image. In this way, the objective for my closing goal was to showcase the rich mixture of knowledge generated during my doctoral program at NYU and produce a culminating opus.
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Goal 3: Develop an innovative handwriting instruction program that is permeated by theories and evidenced-based knowledge of handwriting acquisition. (AOTA 2021 Standards for Continuing Competence in Occupational Therapy: Knowledge, Professional Reasoning).
The impetus for my final goal was a desire to develop products that would positively contribute to the pedagogy of handwriting. Handwriting has been taught for centuries; to develop an innovative handwriting instruction program is an ambitious undertaking. It has required a deep dive into research and theory, substantive discussions with experts, and thoughtful rumination. The artifacts presented below not only reflect the culmination of sorts, but they also represent a seed for future growth.
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Artifact 1: Frame of Reference
A Frame of Reference for Children Initially Learning Sequential Strokes for Printing Letters
This first artifact is a keystone of my ePortfolio because it emphasizes the importance of learning letter formation. In this frame of reference, theoretical elements of graphic behavior are examined to predict how children typically choose starting points and stroke patterns when constructing letters. The theory of graphic behavior is dovetailed with the motor learning theory, challenge point framework, to develop an optimal strategy for handwriting instruction.
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Artifact 2: Competence Project
Letter-Perfect Handwriting Instruction
This final artifact, my competence project, completes my ePortfolio composition. Although it is a direct descendent of the frame of reference above, it is enriched by a comprehensive application of my entire doctoral education at NYU. Letter-Perfect Handwriting Instruction (L-Phi) is a theory driven, evidence-based handwriting instruction program for beginning writers. L-Phi uniquely applies graphic rules and organization principles to analyze letter formation and systematize the progression of handwriting instruction.
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