Ali Ahmed
Book reading has seemingly become a lost art among students today. With the increasing popularity of digital media, students are turning to smartphones, computers, and tablets to fulfill their entertainment needs.
The decline in book reading is concerning for those in the academic field, as students are missing out on the educational benefits that come with reading. A recent study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education found that students who read for pleasure are better able to comprehend and remember material than those who don’t.
Despite the positive effects of reading, many students don’t prioritize the activity. In a survey of 1,200 high schoolers conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts, only 26% of respondents said they read a book for pleasure on a daily basis.
The decrease in reading has become so alarming that some schools have begun to take action. In 2015, the district of Frederick County, Maryland, began a program called “Read to Succeed” that requires all students to read at least one book outside of class every month. The program has been credited with raising student proficiency in English and other language arts classes.
Other schools have partnered with local libraries and bookstores to hold book clubs and reading events that encourage students to read for pleasure.
The decline in book reading among students is concerning, but educators and parents can take steps to encourage students to pick up a book and read. Not only will this help students improve their academic performance, but it will also help them develop a lifelong love of reading.
In today’s digital world, the traditional habit of book reading among students is becoming increasingly rare. With the abundance of online entertainment and educational resources available, many students are turning away from books and towards their screens for fun and learning. This shift away from books has had a negative impact on students’ academic performance, as well as their overall development.
Recent research conducted by a popular university in the United States found that only a quarter of its students read for pleasure. This is a significant drop from the younger generation, who just a few years ago were avid readers. The same research also found that the students who did read for pleasure reported improved academic performance, better concentration, and higher levels of creativity.
The good news is that there are still many students who are passionate about reading. But, unfortunately, they are the minority. Educators and parents are now trying to figure out how to encourage more students to pick up a book and get lost in the pages.
One school in California has implemented a unique program to encourage book reading among its students. The school has set up a library where students can go and borrow books that are of interest to them. This allows students to find books that they are actually interested in, and therefore more likely to read. The school also has a book club where students can join and discuss the books they’ve read.Many schools are also encouraging students to read by providing incentives. For example, some schools are offering rewards for students who read a certain number of books in a year.
In order to get more students reading, it is important to create a positive atmosphere around books. Parents can help by setting a good example and reading to their children. Schools should also provide resources to help students find and borrow books. Finally, educators should promote the value of reading and its importance for students’ academic performance, as well as their overall development.
—The writer is a student of BS Journalism, semester 8 at School of Communication Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore. He can be reached at aliahmed0923@gmail.com
