Reading enriches life

By Lee Hye-jeong

Do you read books on a regular basis? I guess not many people could answer this question confidently. Korean university students are no exception. It is not a new problem that the volume of reading done by Korean undergraduates is steadily declining.

University students are the people who will lead society in the future. They are in a crucial moment of their lives to deepen their knowledge and build character. As they are facing serious difficulties because of a deficiency of common knowledge that has been caused by a lack of reading, it is time to consider effective countermeasures. They should be in the vanguard to improve public reading standards by taking the initiative and setting an example.

Reading is essential in that it can stimulate deep thinking. Logical thought that can be achieved by extensive reading is the foundation of problem solving and decision making. Moreover, reading can promote imagination, creativity and rational reasoning. In this respect, it is necessary to encourage university students to read more.

However, according to the Daily University News Network, 18.4 percent of undergraduates surveyed in 2012 do not read at all, a 7 percent increase from 2007’s 11.5 percent. Meanwhile, the average amount read turned out to be 2.2 books per year; a decrease of 0.6 from 2007. It means that the amount read has dropped 27.3 percent in the last five years. On the other hand, Web surfing ranked top among leisure activities while reading was fourth following watching movies and watching TV.

According to the Korea Education & Research Information Service, the average volume of reading a year by Korean university students is three books compared to 12 books by U.S. university students. It might be a difference in reading education. In the U.S., free discussion and debate are encouraged after reading. Comprehensive speech function based on reading, talking and writing is the focus of American reading education.

On the other hand, reading is considered merely preparation for exams in Korea. In most cases, there is no individual interest and taste when choosing a book. Korean students just pick up books from recommended reading lists. Reading is just an extension of studying.

In this regard, here are some effective and realizable countermeasures for this critical situation. As the priorities of Korean university students are getting high grades and a nice job, public institutions such as universities, companies and broadcasting stations should take steps to improve reading habits.

First, universities should designate a reading class as a required subject. In this class students can learn about reading, from how to choose a book to writing a review based on their level. Group discussions after reading would be mandatory. Every university has to hire reading specialists who develop programs and guide them in the class. The most important factor in reading education is having fun. So reading specialists should lead classes enthusiastically.

Second, companies should make a combined reading list and make certain that students read all the books on the list through an essay test or job interview. If companies would set this rule as a precondition for being hired, no jobseeker could avoid reading books. But another point we must ram home is that firms should recommend books on many different subjects for a diversity of thinking.

Third, broadcasting stations should produce programs that promote reading. There was an educational program called ``!” in Korea several years ago. The production crew used to choose a book of the month and encourage the public to read it. It created a sensation and Korea seemed to be in the grip of a reading craze. This kind of program could be resurrected to motivate the public to read more.

Although universities, companies and broadcasting stations could encourage students to read more, they could only suggest a limited number of books. So the crucial problem for students lacking ideas to choose books wouldn’t be solved completely. Also, some of them could feel they are being forced to read. Therefore, the public institutions have to figure out ways to make people want to read.

Why don’t you pick up a book today? Well starting something is a job half done. If you begin right away, you can find pleasure in reading. It is not boring. It will broaden your view and enrich your life.

Lee Hye-jeong is an avid reader who lives in Seoul. She can be reached at laurahyejeonglee@gmail.com.