Indian Newspaper Day on Jan 29 Newspapers improve 92% students’ academic scores, support holistic growth & foster responsible citizens
Indian Newspaper Day on Jan 29
Newspapers improve 92% students’ academic scores, support holistic growth & foster responsible citizens
TINA KHATRI
In the cacophony of voices that make up a society, newspapers are the quiet architects—building informed citizens, fostering debate, and empowering the electorate. As the digital era dominates, we tend to forget that to learn better, to read and grow our intelligence, newspapers are still essential.
This is reinforced by several national and international studies that show Newspaper in Education (NIE) improves academic performance and overall development.
In a recent study, 92% of middle school and 66% of high schools indicated that NIE program has helped them to improve their academic performance.
The study was conducted covering schools in various cities with notable ones as 2,000 schools in New Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Mumbai, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Kolkata by Indian researchers Kavita Nagasampige and Manojkumar Nagasampige
In discussion with educationists in Indore, we take a step forward to highlight ways to do the same and boost students’ performance and quality of education in the city.
Newspaper nurture empathy & holistic growth
A 2020 study by the Media Foundation of India found that when students read about social issues, current affairs, and community activities through newspapers, it helped them develop empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. This emotional and social development is essential for a well-rounded, holistic educational experience.
CBSE coordinator UK Jha believes that newspapers provide students with a real-world connection that textbooks cannot offer. "Newspapers are rich in content and cover a variety of subjects—from current affairs to science, technology, and culture. They are an essential tool in making students aware of the world around them and fostering holistic education," he said.
UK Jha
CBSE Coordinator
Fuelling critical thinking & active learning
One of the most compelling arguments for incorporating newspapers into classrooms is the enhancement of critical thinking. By reading real-world stories, students develop the ability to assess, analyse, and form their own opinions.
CBSE resource person Manoj Bajpai said "Newspapers encourage students to engage with content actively rather than passively receiving information. This active engagement leads to better cognitive development and helps in preparing students for the challenges they will face in the future.”
Manoj Bajpai
CBSE resource person
Newspapers improve vocabulary & comprehension
Studies have pointed to improvements in vocabulary, with 94% of middle school students and 44% of high school students reporting a noticeable increase in their language proficiency due to regular exposure to newspapers.
Fr. Pious Cyriac, SVD, principal of St. Arnold's School, explained the connection: "When students read diverse content—be it an editorial, a feature article, or a report—they encounter new words and sentence structures. This not only enhances their vocabulary but also helps in better comprehension."
Fr. Pious Cyriac, SVD
School principal
Civic sense: connecting students to their community
In addition to the academic benefits, newspapers also help students stay connected with their local community. In Indore, many of the city’s daily newspapers provide coverage of local events, community activities, and social issues. This gives students a sense of responsibility toward their surroundings and a broader perspective on civic life.
Geeta Taneja, principal of The Vidhyanjali International School, Indore, underscored the importance of local content in shaping students' awareness of their immediate environment. "When students read about issues affecting their city or community, it fosters a sense of civic engagement and empathy. It encourages them to think about solutions and become proactive members of society," she said.
Geeta Taneja
School principal
Newspapers improve 92% students’ academic scores, support holistic growth & foster responsible citizens
TINA KHATRI
In the cacophony of voices that make up a society, newspapers are the quiet architects—building informed citizens, fostering debate, and empowering the electorate. As the digital era dominates, we tend to forget that to learn better, to read and grow our intelligence, newspapers are still essential.
This is reinforced by several national and international studies that show Newspaper in Education (NIE) improves academic performance and overall development.
In a recent study, 92% of middle school and 66% of high schools indicated that NIE program has helped them to improve their academic performance.
The study was conducted covering schools in various cities with notable ones as 2,000 schools in New Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Mumbai, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Kolkata by Indian researchers Kavita Nagasampige and Manojkumar Nagasampige
In discussion with educationists in Indore, we take a step forward to highlight ways to do the same and boost students’ performance and quality of education in the city.
Newspaper nurture empathy & holistic growth
A 2020 study by the Media Foundation of India found that when students read about social issues, current affairs, and community activities through newspapers, it helped them develop empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. This emotional and social development is essential for a well-rounded, holistic educational experience.
CBSE coordinator UK Jha believes that newspapers provide students with a real-world connection that textbooks cannot offer. "Newspapers are rich in content and cover a variety of subjects—from current affairs to science, technology, and culture. They are an essential tool in making students aware of the world around them and fostering holistic education," he said.
UK Jha
CBSE Coordinator
Fuelling critical thinking & active learning
One of the most compelling arguments for incorporating newspapers into classrooms is the enhancement of critical thinking. By reading real-world stories, students develop the ability to assess, analyse, and form their own opinions.
CBSE resource person Manoj Bajpai said "Newspapers encourage students to engage with content actively rather than passively receiving information. This active engagement leads to better cognitive development and helps in preparing students for the challenges they will face in the future.”
Manoj Bajpai
CBSE resource person
Newspapers improve vocabulary & comprehension
Studies have pointed to improvements in vocabulary, with 94% of middle school students and 44% of high school students reporting a noticeable increase in their language proficiency due to regular exposure to newspapers.
Fr. Pious Cyriac, SVD, principal of St. Arnold's School, explained the connection: "When students read diverse content—be it an editorial, a feature article, or a report—they encounter new words and sentence structures. This not only enhances their vocabulary but also helps in better comprehension."
Fr. Pious Cyriac, SVD
School principal
Civic sense: connecting students to their community
In addition to the academic benefits, newspapers also help students stay connected with their local community. In Indore, many of the city’s daily newspapers provide coverage of local events, community activities, and social issues. This gives students a sense of responsibility toward their surroundings and a broader perspective on civic life.
Geeta Taneja, principal of The Vidhyanjali International School, Indore, underscored the importance of local content in shaping students' awareness of their immediate environment. "When students read about issues affecting their city or community, it fosters a sense of civic engagement and empathy. It encourages them to think about solutions and become proactive members of society," she said.
Geeta Taneja
School principal