Sweden ditches digital tools to tackle literacy crisis
The Swedish government is taking action in the face of a literacy crisis. It has decided to return to traditional textbooks and libraries, moving away from digital tools.
The Swedish government has declared a literacy crisis, which it aims to combat by reverting to traditional teaching methods. Studies indicate that young Swedes struggle with understanding complex texts, prompting universities to shorten their descriptions.
Johan Pehrson, the Minister of Education and leader of the Liberal Party, is at the forefront of the battle against functional illiteracy. During a press conference, Pehrson discussed the findings of the PIAAC study, which show that in the last 10 years, the percentage of young people with reading difficulties increased from 9% to 15%.
It should be noted that such problems occur in almost every second young person born abroad, Pehrson highlighted, as quoted by 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 revealed that 25% of 16-year-olds in Sweden have reading problems.
Return to traditional teaching methods
Education Minister Lotta Edholm, who previously introduced laptops in schools, is now withdrawing digital devices, blaming technology for the decline in educational standards. Edholm announced a return to pencils, paper, and traditional textbooks.
We need to focus on learning basic skills, Edholm emphasized, as quoted by PAP.
Another issue is the overuse of aids for students with learning difficulties. Media reports warn that students increasingly demand the ability to listen to texts, which was initially intended for children with diagnosed learning problems.
Changes in the education system
The government plans to increase the emphasis on learning the Swedish language from preschool and to raise language requirements for teacher training recruitment. Efforts are underway to revise teacher education programs. Since mid-2014, schools have been able to receive funding for the purchase of traditional books and teacher training 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. Poland, together with Finland, achieved fifth place.
Only students from four countries achieved a statistically significantly higher result: Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, and England.
