It is no secret that books have fallen out of favor in today’s technological world, and the first class where it becomes an apparent truth is English classes. Students openly admit that they have yet to read a single line of their books, and teachers notice it just as much. But what could cause students to no longer read what is required and completely neglect books?
Silence can be heard in many classes when teachers attempt to engage in conversations regarding the contents of the book. On the student’s side, why read the book when you can look up summaries online or even use AI to analyze chapters for you? And since you talk about the book in class, why should someone read the book if you’ll be told everything you need to know?
However, teachers seem to be a little more compassionate and understanding. Many English teachers seemed to agree on why books have fallen out of favor and want to find ways to help students have an easier time reading and making their own analysis from the reading.
“Reading is like using a muscle: you have to exercise it, and the more you do, the better you are at it,” English teacher Alexia Remy said.
Even as a student, it is out in the open that people avoid reading their English books. The silence can, at times, be unbearable, but could the novels themselves be blamed for such a falling off?
“These texts may seem hard, but in reality, they are common high school texts most people should be able to read and comprehend. I believe that a lack of experience may be the root of the issue,” Remy said.
If the novels aren’t the actual issue, then it must be something else.
“Screen time has become more prioritized because it’s instant gratification, no matter what app it is, it’s instant gratification, unlike reading where you have to sit with it and put in effort,” English teacher Sarah Gayman said.
Teachers recognize that it is more difficult to choose the mentally exhausting task of reading when it is much easier to relax and view hundreds of quick videos that will entertain for a short time. But how can students be more enticed to read? Well, teachers have different ideas.
“I have reimplemented reading quizzes, not just memorization because that’s a waste of time in high school, but more open-ended questions regarding themes and overall information,” English teacher Janelle Ryan said.
Others seem to believe that simply listening to the conversations in class will help them better understand the books and that reading quizzes are not the proper solution.
“I think if students actually go through the effort of sitting down and reading as much as possible then I think it is okay to maybe use other online tools to complement what they understand so far,” Remy said.
Teachers are willing to find solutions with students to try to get books back into their hands, but it is uncertain whether students will accept these new opportunities and solutions.
An open discussion should be started between both parties, as books are incredibly important and can teach everyone new things.
Students should try to make an effort to communicate with their teachers when falling behind or when they are having trouble connecting with the novels. Assigned books are there to help students improve skills and better interpret texts.
