Spectator Out Loud: Philip Womack, Ian Thomson, Silkie Carlo, Francis Young and Rory Sutherland

Challenges of Modern Education

The discussion highlights the growing difficulty students face when it comes to reading long texts, as exemplified by a Shakespeare scholar's observations. Despite efforts to teach significant works like 'Moby Dick' or the 'Harry Potter' series, many students express reluctance or dissatisfaction, which raises questions about educational priorities. The tension between accommodating student preferences and maintaining rigorous academic standards is evident, as students tend to lean towards what's familiar and comfortable rather than challenging literature. The notion that reading should sometimes be a chore rather than purely enjoyable suggests educators must resist diluting coursework to cater to immediate student demands.