Teacher invites lawmakers to see his reading approach

A teacher at Holmebækskolen in Herfølge has invited parliament’s education committee to visit his eighth-grade class and see how he encourages pupils to read, DR reports.

Christian Hansen, a school librarian who teaches history, Christianity, physical education and Danish, says he is not surprised by concerns about pupils’ reading skills. He believes screens in both school and leisure time make it harder for them to concentrate and get used to reading longer texts.

One method he uses is reading aloud. Hansen says pupils need to sit still and concentrate while he reads, and that they report learning more when he reads aloud or when they read material they find relevant.

He wants to show politicians how he motivates pupils to read, particularly following the latest PISA results. Hansen has not yet received a formal reply to his invitation, but several committee members have told DR they would welcome a visit.

Leila Stockmarr, the Red-Green Alliance’s education spokesperson, said she was open to learning from teachers who had found ways to engage pupils. She also supports giving screens less space in teaching, particularly in the early school years.

Moderates education spokesperson Rasmus Lund-Nielsen said he was interested in how politicians could encourage more teaching without digital devices. He said the government could not dictate this as it sought to give schools greater freedom, but could offer inspiration. The committee is due to consider Hansen’s invitation at a meeting on November 18.