IN A RECENT education summit in Iloilo province, it emerged that schoolchildren’s reading comprehension proficiency is wanting. This concern is not unique to Iloilo, however. In other parts of the country, such matter is just as worrisome.
The persistent issue of poor reading comprehension hampers not only academic progress but also the country’s future prospects. What are the root causes of this challenge and what can be done to reverse this?
One factor is the digital divide. While technology has the potential to enhance learning, its unequal distribution has left many students without access to digital resources necessary to develop reading skills. As online content becomes more prevalent, children without internet access are at a disadvantage, missing out on opportunities to engage with a variety of texts.
Ah yes, a strong reading culture is essential for nurturing reading comprehension skills. However, the Philippines is grappling with a decreasing interest in reading among young learners. The rise of electronic devices, shorter attention spans and competition from other forms of entertainment have collectively eroded the habit of reading. This, in turn, affects students’ ability to understand complex texts and grasp nuances.
We should also not discount pedagogical methods. These play a pivotal role in shaping a student’s reading comprehension ability. There is a school of thought that traditional teaching approaches prioritizing rote memorization over critical thinking fail to develop the necessary skills for comprehending and analyzing texts. The focus needs to shift towards interactive and engaging methods that encourage students to question, discuss, and interpret what they read.
Teachers, too, can be a factor. Some educators may lack the proper training to effectively impart reading comprehension skills. A comprehensive approach to teacher training, encompassing modern teaching methodologies and strategies for fostering critical thinking, is imperative to equip educators with the tools they need to address this challenge.
May we also cite parental involvement? The role of parents cannot be underestimated in a child’s educational development. Encouraging a reading-friendly environment at home, where parents read with their children and discuss what they’ve read, can significantly improve reading comprehension skills. Parents should actively participate in school initiatives that promote reading and comprehension, fostering a collaborative effort between home and school.
The decline in reading comprehension skills among school children demands urgent attention. By addressing the digital divide, fostering a reading culture, improving teaching methods, enhancing teacher training, encouraging parental involvement, and implementing comprehensive educational reforms, the nation can reverse this alarming trend. A generation equipped with strong reading comprehension skills will not only excel academically but also contribute significantly to the country’s progress.
