Why Can't Kids Read Anymore with Susannah Grossman
Oct 23, 2024
auto_awesome
This week features Susannah Grossman-Wolf, a seasoned educator with 15 years of experience in elite private high schools. She delves into the alarming decline of reading comprehension among college students, linking it to earlier educational practices. The discussion covers how technology and the pandemic have impacted reading habits and highlights disparities in literary engagement across different schooling systems. Susannah also addresses the challenges teachers face in fostering a love for literature amid evolving academic pressures and societal values.
Declining reading skills at elite colleges stem from foundational issues in early education rather than solely college-level problems.
The effectiveness of phonics versus whole language teaching methods significantly impacts students' long-term reading proficiency and comprehension.
Parental involvement in literacy activities is crucial, as busy lifestyles can diminish children's reading habits and engagement with literature.
Deep dives
Decline of Reading Skills in Education
The podcast discusses the concerning trend of declining reading skills among students, particularly at elite colleges. An article from The Atlantic highlights how students are increasingly struggling with long-form texts despite attending prestigious institutions. Professors report that students have narrower vocabularies and less comprehension ability than in previous years. This decline is attributed not only to college-level issues but to foundational problems that begin in early education.
Impact of Teaching Methods on Literacy
The conversation shifts to the effectiveness of different literacy teaching methods, especially the debate between phonics and whole language approaches. Historically, the shift away from phonics in the 1980s led to a reliance on visual memorization of words rather than understanding phonetic structures. Recent changes in educational strategies are turning back towards phonics, which is seen as crucial for developing reading proficiency. The cumulative nature of early literacy education indicates that shortcomings in foundational skills directly affect students' capabilities in later grades.
Parental Influence and Engagement
Discussion arises about the role of parental involvement in children's education and its impact on literacy. Parents often underestimate their influence on their kids' reading habits and face challenges from busy lifestyles that hinder fostering a love for reading. The lack of parental engagement in literacy activities conveys to children that reading is not a priority. This disconnect contributes to students arriving at high school and college unprepared for rigorous reading demands.
Changing Values in Education
The podcast addresses shifting cultural values regarding education, where students increasingly view their education as a transaction rather than a holistic development process. The pressure to achieve measurable outcomes and return on investment leads to a devaluation of traditional humanities education. Educators express concern that reading and engagement with complex texts are seen as less relevant in a marketplace driven by practicality and job readiness. This cultural shift raises questions about the long-term implications for student engagement with literature and critical thinking.
The Evolving Nature of Reading and Consumption
Finally, the conversation explores how the mediums through which students engage with texts have evolved, particularly with technology's rise. While traditional reading on physical paper is being replaced by digital formats, students still exhibit creativity and engagement in new forms of content such as graphic novels and short-form videos. This trend implies a need to reassess what constitutes valuable literacy and to recognize different modes of engagement that still foster critical thinking and creativity. The podcast argues that adapting to new forms of reading and understanding is essential while maintaining the pursuit of depth and critical analysis.
This week we are discussing the state of reading in America and the big Atlantic article that said that college kids can’t really make it through difficult books anymore and blamed woke or something. Our guest is Susannah Grossman, a veteran teacher who has been on both sides of this debate. Really good episode this week imho — lotta lively talk and perspective from someone who has been inside these classrooms.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodbye.substack.com/subscribe
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
