Swedish top students can't read books either

Published 12 November 2024 at 11.35

Foreign. Teachers at several higher education institutions in southern Sweden testify that their students are no longer able to read books, just like at the elite universities in the USA.

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A growing proportion of students at Lund and Malmö universities find it difficult to read longer texts. This is evident from an article in Sydsvenskan, where university teachers describe how the students struggle with reading and reading comprehension – a problem that, according to the teachers, risks affecting the students' studies and professional life.

The reports come shortly after it emerged that the situation is similar bad at American elite universities, where many of the students have never read an entire book in their entire lives, which Fria Tider wrote about in October.

Elisabeth Friis, lecturer in literary studies (!) at Lund University, says that many students are unable to read entire books.

– They say: I can't do anything, I don't know anything, please help me, she says and describes how she often has to simplify texts.< /p>

Tina Mattsson, docent in social work, has noticed the same trend and points out that some students lack basic understanding of words.

Staff testify to similar problems at the dental program in Malmö and the architectural program in Lund. According to senior lecturer Mats Hultman, many students find it difficult to get through the required course literature. Jesper Falkheimer, professor at Campus Helsingborg, notes that many students would rather read summaries than longer academic texts.

Several teachers link the problem to a lack of vocabulary and reduced endurance for reading – something that, according to Agneta Gulz, professor of cognitive science , can be traced to early school years. Gulz emphasizes the importance of early support and warns that large classes and an excessive digital focus can hinder students' reading development.