The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books: A Growing Problem The Impact of the Decline in Reading Proficiency Conclusion Tables Common Mistakes to Avoid Conclusion
A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that only 40% of college graduates can read at a proficient level. This is a significant decline from the 50% of college graduates who could read at a proficient level in 1992.
This decline in reading proficiency is a major concern, as it has a number of negative consequences. For example, students who cannot read at a proficient level are less likely to succeed in college and in their careers. They are also less likely to be engaged in civic life and to make informed decisions about their lives.
What is the Cause of the Decline in Reading Proficiency?
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the decline in reading proficiency among college students. One factor is the increasing use of electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets. These devices can be a distraction from reading, and they can also make it difficult to focus on a long text.
Another factor that has contributed to the decline in reading proficiency is the changing nature of the college curriculum. In recent years, there has been a trend toward more STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) courses and away from humanities courses. This trend has left many students with less exposure to reading and writing.
What Can Be Done to Address the Decline in Reading Proficiency?
There are a number of things that can be done to address the decline in reading proficiency among college students. One step is to increase the amount of time that students spend reading. This can be done by assigning more reading in courses, by providing students with opportunities to read outside of class, and by making it easier for students to access books and other reading materials.
Another step that can be taken to address the decline in reading proficiency is to improve the quality of reading instruction. This can be done by providing teachers with more training in how to teach reading, by developing new reading curricula, and by using more effective teaching methods.
The decline in reading proficiency among college students has a number of negative consequences. These consequences include:
- Lower academic achievement: Students who cannot read at a proficient level are less likely to succeed in college. They are more likely to drop out of school, and they are less likely to earn good grades.
- Lower earning potential: Students who cannot read at a proficient level are less likely to get good jobs. They are more likely to be unemployed, and they are more likely to earn lower wages.
- Lower civic engagement: Students who cannot read at a proficient level are less likely to be engaged in civic life. They are less likely to vote, and they are less likely to volunteer in their communities.
- Less informed decision-making: Students who cannot read at a proficient level are less likely to make informed decisions about their lives. They are more likely to be misled by false information, and they are less likely to be able to understand complex issues.
The decline in reading proficiency among college students is a serious problem. This problem has a number of negative consequences, including lower academic achievement, lower earning potential, lower civic engagement, and less informed decision-making. There are a number of things that can be done to address the decline in reading proficiency, including increasing the amount of time that students spend reading, improving the quality of reading instruction, and providing students with more access to books and other reading materials.
Table 1: Percentage of College Graduates Who Can Read at a Proficient Level
| Year | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 50% |
| 2003 | 44% |
| 2013 | 40% |
Table 2: Consequences of the Decline in Reading Proficiency
| Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower academic achievement | Students who cannot read at a proficient level are less likely to succeed in college. |
| Lower earning potential | Students who cannot read at a proficient level are less likely to get good jobs. |
| Lower civic engagement | Students who cannot read at a proficient level are less likely to be engaged in civic life. |
| Less informed decision-making | Students who cannot read at a proficient level are less likely to make informed decisions about their lives. |
Table 3: Causes of the Decline in Reading Proficiency
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Increasing use of electronic devices | Electronic devices can be a distraction from reading, and they can also make it difficult to focus on a long text. |
| Changing nature of the college curriculum | In recent years, there has been a trend toward more STEM courses and away from humanities courses. This trend has left many students with less exposure to reading and writing. |
| Less time spent reading | Students today spend less time reading than they did in the past. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing use of electronic devices and the changing nature of the college curriculum. |
Table 4: Solutions to the Decline in Reading Proficiency
| Solution | Description |
|---|---|
| Increase the amount of time that students spend reading | This can be done by assigning more reading in courses, by providing students with opportunities to read outside of class, and by making it easier for students to access books and other reading materials. |
| Improve the quality of reading instruction | This can be done by providing teachers with more training in how to teach reading, by developing new reading curricula, and by using more effective teaching methods. |
| Provide students with more access to books and other reading materials | This can be done by making books and other reading materials more affordable, by providing students with access to libraries, and by encouraging students to read for pleasure. |
When trying to address the decline in reading proficiency, there are a number of common mistakes that should be avoided. These mistakes include:
- Blaming students: It is easy to blame students for the decline in reading proficiency. However, this is not a productive approach. Students are not solely responsible for their own reading proficiency. There are a number of factors that contribute to the decline in reading proficiency, including the increasing use of electronic devices, the changing nature of the college curriculum, and the less time that students spend reading.
- Focusing on quick fixes: There is no quick fix for the decline in reading proficiency. It will take a concerted effort to address this problem. There needs to be a change in the way that reading is taught, and there needs to be a change in the way that students approach reading.
- Ignoring the problem: The decline in reading proficiency is a serious problem. It cannot be ignored. We need to take action now to address this problem.
The decline in reading proficiency among college students is a serious problem. This problem has a number of negative consequences, including lower academic achievement, lower earning potential, lower civic engagement, and less informed decision-making. There are a number of things that can be done to address the decline in reading proficiency, including increasing the amount of time that students spend reading, improving the quality of reading instruction, and providing students with more access to books and other reading materials.
