Effects of Frequency Building on Fine Motor Tool Skills and Handwriting Performance

Faculty Mentor

Jennifer Wertalik

Location

Savannah Ballroom

Type of Research

Completed

Session Format

Poster Presentation

College

College of Behavioral & Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Precision teaching has a long history of breaking complex skills into smaller parts to help learners build stronger overall performance. Research shows that when learners practice foundational and tool skills until they can perform them quickly and accurately (fluently), improvements can occur in more complex skills—even without directly teaching those larger skills. One common method for building fluency is frequency building, which involves short, timed practice sessions with feedback and a clear performance goal. The present study assessed the effects of training tool skills consisting of Big 6 + 6 motor movements on handwriting skills. The researchers used a modified repeated acquisition design to evaluate the effects of frequency building to a performance criterion on fine motor tasks as well as the associated effects on component (e.g., see-write common marks) and composite skills (e.g., free-write lowercase letter). Results, practical implications, and directions for future applied research will be discussed.

Program Description

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Start Date

4-21-2026 10:00 AM

End Date

4-21-2026 12:00 PM

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Apr 21st, 10:00 AM Apr 21st, 12:00 PM

Effects of Frequency Building on Fine Motor Tool Skills and Handwriting Performance

Savannah Ballroom

Precision teaching has a long history of breaking complex skills into smaller parts to help learners build stronger overall performance. Research shows that when learners practice foundational and tool skills until they can perform them quickly and accurately (fluently), improvements can occur in more complex skills—even without directly teaching those larger skills. One common method for building fluency is frequency building, which involves short, timed practice sessions with feedback and a clear performance goal. The present study assessed the effects of training tool skills consisting of Big 6 + 6 motor movements on handwriting skills. The researchers used a modified repeated acquisition design to evaluate the effects of frequency building to a performance criterion on fine motor tasks as well as the associated effects on component (e.g., see-write common marks) and composite skills (e.g., free-write lowercase letter). Results, practical implications, and directions for future applied research will be discussed.