When addressing illiteracy, I don't think we can begin at the university level ("Illuminating illiteracy," Feb. 3). First, literacy starts before a child goes to preschool. Parents need to read to their children and make it fun.
Second, in my opinion, there are no shortcuts around reading. You need time, a quiet place, and concentration. Many college students don't read anything they don't absolutely have to read.
Third, we need to get rid of PowerPoint notes and start hiring professors who actually know their material and can lecture about it to students who are capable of taking notes. Note taking should be learned in primary and secondary school.
Fourth, all points of views should be permitted and tolerated in a university classroom setting. We are not all clones who agree with each other.
Fifth, a good education, like most things worth achieving, requires a lot of hard work. You can't just work smart; you have to work hard. Too many students are looking for an easy way out to an education. You know who you are and you are only cheating yourself.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
