Reading techniques
The ability to read is as important today as it ever was. Some people believe that the need for good basic skills has lessened as technology has improved, that television, with all its power and indeed its role in providing information, has reduced the need for reading. Certainly there are many people who don't buy books for pleasure and enjoyment, and some who rarely read a newspaper or visit a library.
In some ways this may not really matter. Being able to read fluently is very different from wanting to read at all. In so many aspects of our life we still need to read, a need technology cannot replace. Indeed, in some ways it makes it more essential. As more everyday activities become automated, so reading becomes more important.
How to Read Your Textbook More Efficiently
PREVIEW - READ - RECALL at first glance seems to be an intricate and time consuming process. However, it gets easier and faster with practice, ensures thorough learning and facilitates later "re-learning" when you revise for exams. Give it a try!
PREVIEW
WHY?
If you give your mind a general framework of main ideas and structure, you will be better able to comprehend and retain the details you will read later.
HOW?
1. Look quickly (10 minutes) over the following key parts of your textbook to see what it's all about and how it is organized:
Title
Front and back cover info.
Author's biographical data
Publication date
Table of Contents
Introduction or Preface
Index
Glossary
2. Before you read each chapter, look over:
Title
Introduction
Sub-headings
First sentences of each paragraph (should give main idea).
Any diagrams, charts, etc.
Conclusions or summaries
3. Then answer the following questions:
What is this mainly about?
How is it organized?
How difficult is it?
About how long will it take to read?
READ ACTIVELY
WHY?
Being an active reader will involve you in understanding the material, combat boredom, and will increase retention.