Sweden embraces traditional books to combat literacy crisis
The Swedish government is taking action in the face of a literacy crisis. It has decided to revert to traditional textbooks and libraries instead of relying on digital tools.
The Swedish government has declared a state of literacy crisis, which it aims to combat by returning to traditional teaching methods. Studies show that young Swedes have difficulties understanding complex texts, prompting universities to simplify their descriptions.
Johan Pehrson, the Minister of Education and leader of the Liberal Party, is at the forefront of battling functional illiteracy. During a press conference, Pehrson discussed the results of the PIAAC study, which revealed that in the past 10 years, the percentage of young people experiencing reading difficulties increased from 9% to 15%.
It should be noted that such problems occur in nearly every second young person born abroad, Pehrson highlighted, according to the Polish Press Agency.
According to a report by the University of Uppsala, 9% of students finishing primary school cannot read with comprehension, and 15% have writing difficulties. The 2022 PISA study indicated that 25% of 16-year-olds in Sweden face reading problems.
Return to traditional teaching methods
Education Minister Lotta Edholm, who previously introduced laptops in schools, is now withdrawing digital devices, attributing the decline in education levels to technology. Edholm announced a shift back to pencils, paper, and traditional textbooks.
We need to focus on learning basic skills, Edholm emphasized, as per PAP.
Another issue is the overuse of aids for students with learning difficulties. Media reports raise concerns that students increasingly request the ability to listen to texts, initially intended for children with diagnosed learning challenges.
Changes in the education system
The government plans to put greater emphasis on learning the Swedish language from preschool and raise language requirements for teacher training. Efforts are underway to revamp teacher education programs. Since mid-2014, schools have been eligible for funding to purchase traditional books and offer teacher courses. A list of 250 recommended books for children and teenagers was published in December of the previous year.
Starting July 1, 2025, students will have guaranteed access to school libraries with staff.
In the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) conducted in 2023, Polish elementary school students ranked high in reading comprehension. Our country, along with Finland, claimed fifth place.
Only students from four countries achieved statistically significantly higher results: Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, and England.
