Sweden embraces traditional methods to tackle reading crisis
The Swedish government is responding to a reading crisis by deciding to return to traditional textbooks and libraries instead of relying on digital tools.
The Swedish government has declared a reading crisis, which they intend to tackle by returning to traditional teaching methods. Research shows that young Swedes struggle to comprehend complex texts, leading universities to abandon longer descriptions.
Leading the initiative to combat functional illiteracy is Johan Pehrson, the Minister of Education and leader of the Liberal Party. During a press conference, Pehrson discussed the findings of the PIAAC study, which reveals that over the last ten years, the proportion of young people struggling with reading has increased from 9% to 15%.
It should be noted that such issues affect nearly every second young person born abroad — emphasised Pehrson.
According to a report by Uppsala University, 9% of students finishing primary school cannot read with understanding, and 15% have trouble writing. The 2022 PISA study found that 25% of 16-year-olds in Sweden experience reading difficulties.
Return to traditional teaching methods
Minister of Education Lotta Edholm, who previously introduced laptops to schools, is now withdrawing digital devices, blaming technology for the decline in education quality. Edholm announced a return to pencils, paper, and traditional textbooks.
We must focus on learning basic skills — Edholm emphasised, as quoted by PAP.
Another issue is the excessive use of accommodations for students with learning difficulties. The media reports that students increasingly demand the ability to listen to texts, which was originally intended for children with diagnosed learning problems.
Changes in the education system
The government plans to increase the emphasis on learning the Swedish language from nursery level and raise language requirements for admission to educational programmes. Work is underway to revise teacher training programmes. Since mid-2014, schools can receive funding for the purchase of traditional books and teacher training courses. In December of last year, a list of 250 recommended books for children and adolescents was published.
From 1st July 2025, students will be guaranteed access to school libraries with staff.
In the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) conducted in 2023, Polish primary school students ranked among the top in reading comprehension. Our country, along with Finland, ranked fifth.
Statistically, significantly higher scores were achieved only by students from four countries: Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, and England.
Source: PAP
