Hayes Award 2024 Lecture – Writing Fluency in the Perspective of Fluency Research

Abstract

Writing fluency is a fundamental aspect of writing development and is closely related to other 'fluencies', such as reading and speaking fluency. Research on fluency highlights that proficient performance relies on the interaction of automatised, low-level processes, such as transcription in writing or word recognition in reading, and controlled, attention-demanding processes like translating ideas into text or reading with prosody. Over time, writing fluency develops as these fundamental processes become more automated, freeing up cognitive resources for higher-order writing skills such as planning, revising, and producing text strategically. While training programmes targeting fluency can improve these fundamental processes, evidence suggests that isolated practice often has limited impact. Integration into broader literacy instruction is therefore essential for achieving long-lasting results. This keynote will discuss theoretical and developmental perspectives on writing fluency, its connections to reading, speaking and listening fluency, and the implications for designing effective, integrated instructional approaches.