Why Asking Students to Read Aloud in Class May Do More Harm Than Good
Reading aloud in class—it’s a classic classroom activity, but many educators are now questioning its effectiveness. Here’s why having students read aloud in front of their classmates might need a rethink for today’s classrooms.
1. Increased Student Anxiety with Reading Aloud
For many students, being asked to read out loud in class can cause high levels of stress and anxiety. Picture this: a student who’s already struggling with reading now has an entire classroom listening to every word. This creates a high-stress environment, which often shifts their focus from understanding the text to simply “getting through” the reading. When student anxiety is high, both reading fluency and comprehension tend to suffer.
2. Reduced Comprehension Due to Performance Pressure
When students read in front of their peers, they’re often more focused on “performing” than on understanding the material. This can result in reduced comprehension and limited critical thinking about the text. Effective reading strategies should encourage deep understanding, not just correct pronunciation.
3. Risk of Stigma for Struggling Readers
Students who aren’t confident readers may feel embarrassed when it’s their turn to read. The practice can make struggling readers feel singled out, reinforcing negative feelings about reading and decreasing their motivation to participate. The result? A higher risk of reading stigma, which can impact their confidence and participation across other learning activities.
4. Interruptions in Learning Flow
When each student reads aloud, especially in classes with varying reading levels, the pace can slow down, disrupting the learning flow. This can be frustrating for students who read more quickly and are ready to move on, as well as for those who might feel pressured to “keep up.”
5. More Effective Alternatives for Building Reading Fluency
There are alternative strategies that help students build reading skills without requiring them to perform in front of the class. Taking volunteers, partner reading, having the teacher read out loud, and small-group reading are all effective ways to support reading fluency and/or comprehension.
The key to improving reading fluency and comprehension is to incorporate strategies that allow students to read at their own pace and reduce the pressure of public performance, creating a more inclusive classroom environment.