Tabinda Qamar
Reading as the procedure of recalling, thinking and linking abstracts according to the functions of the written words. From the evolution of human beings, the medium of reading has also evolved from clay tables, stones to the digital media. In the present days, the reading material is vastly available in paper form as well as digital. The online and print media in Pakistan have already highlighted the declining and changing reading habit trends such as government reports, newspapers and various websites (Rahman and Amir, 2019)
Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (M/o FE&PT) , Islamabad has organized 3 days long Foundational Literacy Summit in Pakistan from 25-11-2023 to 27-11-2023 at Pak China Friendship Center, Islamabad. The panelist will discuss the key aspects of the learning crisis in Pakistan. The facts, reasons behind them and areas of improvement to support learning, especially in regards to literacy, and suggest ideas to move towards a roadmap to improve foundational literacy nationwide
This will involve inspired efforts across many aspects of learning including better educational learning data, early childhood education, improved teaching, aligning curriculum, assessment and pedagogy and much more. For this we need a whole-of-society Pakistan Learning Movement! Building on the Prime Minister’s support for foundational learning at the Transforming Education Summit, the Pakistan Learning Conference 2023 and the formation of the M/o FE&PT Pakistan Foundational Learning Hub, this conference will build momentum towards a Pakistan Learning Movement to improve foundational learning.
The rise of digital technology, smart phones, and other electronic devices has led to a shift in how people consume information. With the advent of e-books, audiobooks, and online content, traditional printed books may face competition for readers’ attention. Limited access to libraries, economic factors , cultural factors and technological paradigm shifted the book reading culture to digitalization.
Book reading offers a multitude of benefits, encompassing various aspects of personal development, mental well-being, and intellectual growth. Here are some key advantages of cultivating a habit of reading:
- Knowledge Acquisition: Reading exposes individuals to a vast range of information, facts, and ideas. It is a primary source of acquiring knowledge on diverse subjects.
- Mental Stimulation: Engaging with written material stimulates the brain, keeping it active and engaged. This can help prevent cognitive decline as individuals age.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Regular reading exposes readers to new words and phrases, contributing to the expansion of vocabulary and language skills.
- Improved Focus and Concentration: Reading requires concentration and focus, helping individuals develop and enhance these cognitive skills over time.
- Enhanced Critical Thinking: Analyzing plotlines, characters, and themes in books encourages readers to think critically and make connections between different concepts.
- Stress Reduction: Reading, especially fiction, provides an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Immersing oneself in a book can be a form of relaxation and stress reduction.
- Empathy Development: Reading fiction, in particular, allows readers to step into the shoes of characters with different perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding.
It is hoped that these three days long National Reading Conference from 25-11-2023 to 27-11-2023 will be a mile stone to promote reading culture, passion of learning and tolerance. This will lead Pakistan towards a better literate Pakistan.
Writer is senior analyst and she can be reached at [email protected]