I don’t believe in spelling as a class except for its possibilities to further second language learning. As a child I was an exemplary student with spelling and handwriting woes. I think about certain teachers with whom I have worked and cringe to think of having to be subject to their unbending handwriting edicts.

Other professors have had vendettas against poor spellers, as if somehow spelling acts as an indicator of intellectual prowess. I am most thankful for the way my instructors have in most part encouraged the abilities that they believe I posses, while evenhandedly encouraging my development in those areas which lag behind. For myself, the computer has acted as a great equalizer in the area of legibility and spelling. I type almost everything I write, I also have spell check programs for English, Spanish and Norwegian.

With my own students last year I accepted homework and class work in any state. What I received should have caused my gradual and permanent blindness. This year I know that I need to require each student to improve his or her legibility. Also they need to think about self-assessment in the areas of spelling / grammar and handwriting so as to edit it at least once before handing anything in.

Justin