Teaching reading through writing

This article discusses a teaching method called reading through writing (RtW), based on the use of computers rather than handwriting. The pupils use the computers in pairs and decide themselves what they will write about. The use of this method is studied via a questionnaire to 22 teachers and via seven Master's and two Bachelor's theses, observing and interviewing all together 21 teachers and 68 pupils. The results show that the method is a good teaching tool; it inspires pupils to write, develops social and communication skills and is in itself creative. It seems to be well suited to pupils with individual needs. However, the information gathered does not clearly demonstrate its effectiveness for teaching pupils to read and write. Hence, more research is required.