Unveiling New Reading Phenomenon Among Secondary Students: Tackling Fragmentation and Effective Strategies

EdCity is dedicated to encouraging and cultivating a habit of reading among students and addressing the dynamic needs of education. To identify emerging reading phenomenon, EdCity surveyed secondary students and teachers from May to June 2024. The survey gathered 7,423 students and 156 teachers’ responses. Key findings include:

  • Students’ reading habits are increasingly fragmented. Over 60% of students spend less than 30 minutes on reading at a time.
  • Students favour brief and visually rich content, and the majority of them do not finish books or articles.
  • An overwhelming 90% of teachers consider it crucial for students to read complete works, as they believe that fragmented reading affects students’ reading skills, leading to reduced coherence, impatience, weaker organizational abilities, and a lack of comprehensive learning.

Dr Elvin Lee Ka-kui, BBS, JP, Chairman of The Hong Kong Publishing Federation, Dr Esther Woo, Director of Library Services of the University of Hong Kong and Ms Sofia Ling, Assistant Vice President of the Hong Kong Teacher-Librarians’ Association and Teacher Librarian at ELCHK Lutheran Academy discussed and acknowledged the trend of fragmented reading among students. They commended students for effectively using fragmented time to acquire knowledge. They emphasised the purpose of reading is not just for learning, but to start from enhancing interest. They encouraged educational and other sectors to promote reading in diverse approaches, such as incorporating movies and organising exhibitions, allowing students to have innovative experiences and sustain their interest in reading.

Mr Ken Ngai, Executive Director of EdCity presented the key findings of survey on Hong Kong students’ reading habits.

EdCity conducted a survey of secondary students and teachers from May to June 2024. The findings were unveiled at a press conference.

Experts from the publishing industry and academia acknowledged the trend of fragmented reading habits among students and shared strategies for maintaining their interest in reading.

(From left : Mr Brian Ho Sze-ming, EdCity’s Head of Service; Dr Elvin Lee Ka-kui BBS, JP, Chairman of The Hong Kong Publishing Federation; Dr Esther Woo, Director of Library Services of the University of Hong Kong; Ms Sofia Ling, Assistant Vice President of the Hong Kong Teacher-Librarians’ Association and Teacher Librarian at ELCHK Lutheran Academy)

Hong Kong Education City unveiled the results of a student reading habits survey, where experts shared their strategies for promoting reading.

(From left: Michelle Lee, EdCity’s Head of Business and Communications; Dr Elvin Lee Ka-kui BBS, JP, Chairman of The Hong Kong Publishing Federation; Mr Ken Ngai Yuen Keung, Executive Director of EdCity; Dr Esther Woo, Director of Library Services of the University of Hong Kong; Ms Sofia Ling, Assistant Vice President of the Hong Kong Teacher-Librarians’ Association and Teacher Librarian at ELCHK Lutheran Academy)