MODERN APPROACHES TO INCREASING STUDENTS' INTEREST IN READING

Аннотация

This article explores modern pedagogical approaches aimed at increasing students' interest in reading. In an era of digital media and technological distractions, fostering a love for reading has become a significant challenge for educators. The study examines various strategies that can be used in the classroom to engage students with reading materials, ranging from traditional books to digital texts. Key approaches discussed include the integration of interactive reading activities, promoting reading for pleasure, the use of diverse genres, and incorporating technology to support reading habits. By adopting these modern methods, educators can cultivate alasting interest in reading, which isessential for students'academic and personal growth. Keywords: students' interest, reading habits, modern approaches, interactive activities, reading forpleasure, diverse genres, technology in education, reading engagement, literacy development. In the contemporary educational landscape, fostering students' interest in reading has become one of the most pressing challenges for educators worldwide. With the increasing influence of digital media, social networks, and other forms of entertainment, young people are often less inclined to engage with traditional reading materials such as books, magazines, and newspapers. This shift in attention has led to concerns about the decline in reading habits, which are essential forthedevelopment ofcritical thinking, literacy skills,andacademic success. Reading is not merely an academic skill but a gateway to broader knowledge, imagination, and personal growth. In order to foster a lifelong passion for reading, it is crucial to implement modern and innovative approaches that can rekindle students' interest and motivation. The traditional methods of reading instruction, while still important, may no longer be sufficient in capturing the attention of today's students. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt strategies that are engaging, interactive, and tailored to theinterests and needs ofcontemporary learners. This article explores modern approaches to increasing students' interest in reading, focusing on various methods that have proven effective in contemporary classrooms. These approaches include the integration of interactive reading activities, the promotion of reading for pleasure, the use of diverse literary genres, and the incorporation of technology into reading practices. By examining these strategies, the article aims to provide educators with practical tools to create an environment that not only encourages reading but also helps students develop a genuine love for it. The issue of increasing students' interest in reading has been the subject of numerous studies in the field of education. In recent years, there has been growing attention to the need for modern approaches that can engage students, especially in the digital age, where traditional reading habitsare often overshadowed byother forms of mediaconsumption. One of the foundational works on this subject is by Guthrie and Humenick (2004), who emphasize that reading motivation plays a central role in the development of reading skills. https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue3,2025 53 According to their research, students who are motivated to read tend to engage more with texts, which results in higher levels of comprehension and long-term literacy development. They suggest that one way to increase motivation is through the creation of a reading environment that isinteractive, enjoyable, and responsive to theinterests of students. Wigfield and Guthrie (1997) further explored the connection between motivation and reading engagement, introducing the concept of "reading for pleasure." Their work highlighted that when students read books they find personally interesting, their engagement and comprehension levels improve significantly. This idea underscores the importance of choice in reading materials, allowing students to select books that align with their interests, whether they are fiction, non- fiction, orgraphic novels. Another significant contribution is by Sénéchal and LeFevre (2002), who discuss the role of parents and teachers in developing children's reading habits. They argue that a supportive environment—both at school and at home—can significantly boost students' interest in reading. This includes not only providing access to books but also fostering a culture where reading is valued and celebrated. In addition to traditional methods, Lonsdale (2003) examined the role of technology in engaging students with reading. With the advent of e-books, audiobooks, and interactive reading apps, students are now able to engage with texts in ways that were previously unavailable. Lonsdale suggests that using digital tools and multimedia can make reading more accessible and appealing toyounger generations, especially thosewhoare accustomed to digital platforms. Gambrell (2011) also supports the idea of integrating techno