Introduction
Reading is a fundamental language skill and a key part of education. Traditionally, it has been used in classrooms as a passive activity to improve comprehension, vocabulary, and pronunciation. However, to become effective readers, students need to actively develop reading as a skill rather than just a routine task.
Traditional Use of Reading in Classrooms
Reading in classrooms often involves students reading aloud or silently from textbooks or passages. The focus tends to be on pronunciation, fluency, and understanding surface-level meanings. Teachers usually ask questions to check comprehension and correct errors. This method emphasizes accuracy but may not develop critical reading skills.
Why Reading Should Be Learned as a Skill
1. Enhances Comprehension
Reading as a skill involves learning techniques like skimming, scanning, and identifying main ideas, which help students understand and retain information better.
2. Encourages Critical Thinking
Skill-based reading promotes analysis, evaluation, and inference. It helps students interpret meanings, understand context, and evaluate the writer’s purpose and tone.
3. Develops Independent Learning
When reading is treated as a skill, students become more self-reliant in gathering information, conducting research, and solving problems.
4. Improves Academic and Professional Success
Good reading skills are essential for success in higher education, competitive exams, and the workplace. They support learning across subjects and effective communication.
Conclusion
Reading must be taught and practiced as an active skill involving strategy and understanding. This shift enhances comprehension, critical thinking, and lifelong learning capabilities among students.