International Journal of Advance Research Publication and Reviews

International Journal of Advance Research Publication and Reviews
Peer-Reviewed | Multi-Disciplinary Journal

ISSN: 3049-0103 (O)

Impact Factor: 4.33

THE CRISIS OF ATTENTION: UNDERSTANDING THE DECLINE OF DEEP READING AMONG YOUNG LEARNERS

Author

Dr. Priyanka Rani

Abstract

 Reading is a fundamental educational activity that develops language, knowledge, imagination, critical thinking and intellectual independence. However, many young learners are finding it increasingly difficult to remain engaged with lengthy and complex texts. Although young people encounter written material regularly, their reading is often brief and focused on immediate information rather than sustained understanding. This paper examines the decline of deep reading among young learners and explores its major causes and educational consequences. A qualitative conceptual and narrative-review approach was adopted using relevant scholarly literature and educational reports on reading literacy, reading motivation and reading for pleasure. The review indicates that declining reading for pleasure, examination-oriented education, limited choice of reading materials, competing activities and negative reading experiences may contribute to weaker engagement with sustained reading. Reduced deep reading can affect comprehension, vocabulary development, critical thinking and perspective-taking. The paper argues that the issue should not be understood simply as a decline in reading but as a decline in opportunities for sustained attention to complex texts. It recommends protected reading time, student choice, reading communities, explicit teaching of deep-reading strategies and greater family involvement. The paper concludes that deep reading should be recognised as an essential educational capability for developing thoughtful, independent and critically aware learners.


Keywords

Deep reading, Attention, Young learners, Reading for pleasure, Reading comprehension, Reading motivation, Critical thinking.

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