More Effective Reading In Six Steps
- Date: 2007-05-12 - Word Count: 449
Share This!
Let's face it, for most academic courses, you are going to spend a lot of time reading. It will usually be the primary way to obtain the information you need even if you have to go and learn by doing later. So it makes sense if your study success depends on it to invest some time in improving this invaluable skill.
We take reading and improving our reading for granted. When you learned to read as a child there were various steps and stages to be reached until you could say 'I can read'. Usually though, once we reach a certain stage, reading becomes a tool to learn other things and we stop learning to read in itself. And although the act of reading more and more does help enormously, we need to consciously think about how we read and stretch ourselves that bit more to reach new standards, especially if our progress is dependent on the speed at which we acquire our knowledge.
It will take you some effort. It always does to change habits and push our limits. But, the results will be well worth it. You could double your speed and retention, depending on your current state and how much you are willing to put into it. There are many books and courses available on speed reading, but for now let's look at some general tips that you could implement right now and improve your reading skill.
1. Learn to adjust the type of reading you do to the task in hand. Reading something technical, a novel, history, a newspaper, these all take slightly different approaches.
2. Scan your text at increasingly detailed levels until you've obtained the information you need. Titles, subtitles, diagrams, summaries, introductions and last paragraphs first. This will impress the structure of the knowledge on your mind, show you where you need to concentrate, and prime your mind to receive new information.
3. Use a pencil/your finger as a guide. It has been shown that physically following your pencil across the page can increase your speed and concentration. Force yourself to go faster and faster, keeping up with your guide.
4. Don't stop at difficult parts. Don't try to understand everything at first. A little question mark is all you need to remind you, and you can come back to it on a later 'scan'.
5. Read words in groups, don't concentrate on one word at a time.
6. When you've finished a scan, brainstorm what you remember, so for your next scan you'll know where the gaps are and where you need to concentrate a bit more and read in a bit more depth. The recollection itself is a very important part of the study process as well as a help to read more effectively.
We take reading and improving our reading for granted. When you learned to read as a child there were various steps and stages to be reached until you could say 'I can read'. Usually though, once we reach a certain stage, reading becomes a tool to learn other things and we stop learning to read in itself. And although the act of reading more and more does help enormously, we need to consciously think about how we read and stretch ourselves that bit more to reach new standards, especially if our progress is dependent on the speed at which we acquire our knowledge.
It will take you some effort. It always does to change habits and push our limits. But, the results will be well worth it. You could double your speed and retention, depending on your current state and how much you are willing to put into it. There are many books and courses available on speed reading, but for now let's look at some general tips that you could implement right now and improve your reading skill.
1. Learn to adjust the type of reading you do to the task in hand. Reading something technical, a novel, history, a newspaper, these all take slightly different approaches.
2. Scan your text at increasingly detailed levels until you've obtained the information you need. Titles, subtitles, diagrams, summaries, introductions and last paragraphs first. This will impress the structure of the knowledge on your mind, show you where you need to concentrate, and prime your mind to receive new information.
3. Use a pencil/your finger as a guide. It has been shown that physically following your pencil across the page can increase your speed and concentration. Force yourself to go faster and faster, keeping up with your guide.
4. Don't stop at difficult parts. Don't try to understand everything at first. A little question mark is all you need to remind you, and you can come back to it on a later 'scan'.
5. Read words in groups, don't concentrate on one word at a time.
6. When you've finished a scan, brainstorm what you remember, so for your next scan you'll know where the gaps are and where you need to concentrate a bit more and read in a bit more depth. The recollection itself is a very important part of the study process as well as a help to read more effectively.
Related Tags: study, speed reading, grades, exams, study skills
If you want to learn more, or downoad a free mini ebook on study, try www.yourstudymentor.com . Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Be Competitive With Computer Program
Do you speak the language of programming? No, I'm not kidding. Computer programmers and analysts hav - Make Green Living Your Career As An Environmental Protection Technician
The focus on green living is shifting from just reuse, reduce, recycle to the use of solar energy, e - The Whole Truth About Sat Tutoring
Preparing for the SAT examination can be a trying experience. It requires months of dedication, pers - Art And Design Foundation Studies Prepare You For A Creative Career
A career in the creative field of visual arts takes talent, skill and a strong foundation. There are - Specialization In Finance Is Most Desired Amongst Mba Students!
Specialization in MBA-finance is perhaps the most desired and sought after finance courses in India. - Online Degrees: The Different Method Of Education
Education is amongst the most vital things which an individual can have. It's very important in the - Why Online Education Is So Excellent
We're so accustomed to seeing college students go to school and obtaining their education the conven - Hr Degrees That Fit Your Career Goals
Figuring out which HR degree is right for you begins with clarifying your career goals within the fi - What Are Apprenticeships And What Are The Benefits?
By definition, Apprenticeships are a new generation of training which combines the study of a specif - Let Us Browse Through Some Of The Top Science Colleges In India
With an immense supply of talents, India is fast emerging as a perfect destination to locate high sk
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Tips For Getting Scholarships
College isn't cheap. It's a serious investment that can have a wonderful return. If you are concerne - Accenting Higher Education for Young Minds
There are so many universities in the UK, USA, Scotland and Australia. Approximately 4.8 million stu - 4 Sure Fire Ways To Immediately Boost Your Success In The Mba Group Discussion/ Personal Interview
Having cleared the written test for B- Schools such as IIM's, XLRI, IIFT, FMS- Delhi, it is importan - 3 Surefire Methods for Arts Graduate to Succeed in the MBA Group Discussion and Personal Interview
Being an Arts Graduate, you should do away with the notion that you would not be Good enough in the - Ways To Pay For Your Master Degree - That You May Not Have Thought Of Yet
Paying for any college education, including earning your master degree can be expensive. It is a maj - Importance of Career Planning
Career means profession, which we want to adopt for earning livelihood, and planning means proper fl - Key Factors to Consider With Bad Credit Student Loans
Education is important today, particularly for those who are less fortunate in life. It's their tick - Teacher's Training
In an attempt to boost student achievement, a public-school district teamed with a university to put - Acing the SAT Essay Test Even If You're a Bad Writer: A Step by Step Guide Part I
As if the multiple choice questions weren't enough, the New SAT requires test takers to provide a sa - College Scholarship Program Application Process
The necessary process to apply for a college program scholarship is not different from applying for