a.ac.uk Academic Skills Workshops Regular workshops aimed at helping you to manage your time effectively become a better writer think critically. Workshops take place most Tuesdays & Thursdays 1-2pm (please visit our website for full details). No booking is required, but places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. 1

Reading Academic Texts Learning Enhancement Team Dean of Students’ Office

Do you agree? Reading is reading. Reading for an assignment is no different from reading in other areas of life, or other levels of education.

What are your concerns about reading academic texts?

So, in summary… You will be expected to read more and to read more quickly, accurately, critically and selectively

Why are you reading? There will always be a purpose to your academic reading. E.g.: Research for an essay, report or other written assignment Preparation for a seminar or presentation Broadening of your subject knowledge Deciding on a dissertation topic Preparing for an interview 6

Deciding whether to read something B E SELECTIVE : How much time do I have? Will the book or article really help me? I S IT RELEVANT ? Is it on the reading list! Survey the material: - Read the ‘blurb’ on the back - Use the index and contents pages - Look at headings and subheadings - Look for key words 7

What about reading? Know what information you want from a document before you start reading it… And read (and think) critically

What? When? Who? Where? Why? How? What if? Description Analysis Evaluation So what? What next? Learning Development University of Plymouth Model to Generate Critical Thinking Topic

Reading critically What is the writer saying? How are they saying it? Why do they say it this way? Who are they saying it to? What do I think about what they say? Why am I reading it? What am I looking for? What will I use the text for? What question or problem is the writer addressing? Are the claims based on good evidence? Are the claims specific? Can they be generalised? Is this part of a wider debate? How does it compare with what other people say?

Different kinds of reading Skimming Scanning Surface Analytical

Skimming To skim: 1.Look at the conclusion/concluding section 2.Look at abstract or summary, followed by the introduction 3.Read each section heading, then the first sentence in each paragraph 4.Look for key phrases such as: “Firstly…”, “Secondly…”, etc. These are clues to the main points. 5.Finally look at pictures and graphs. (Davies, 2011:42)

Scanning To scan: 1.Look for specific words/key words/information 2.Look for a pattern – alphabetical, chronological, thematic, etc 3.You can use your fingers/ruler 4.Let your eyes do the work Skimming scanning will increase the speed of your reading.

What is… SPQ3R?

What’s SPQ3R? SURVEY: why are you reading? PREVIEW: index and contents lists, chapter headings QUESTION: set goals for your reading READ: skimming and scanning REPEAT: re-read for comprehension, analysis and note taking REVIEW: have your questions been answered?

How to improve your reading speed Have a purpose for your reading. Use headings, subheadings and highlighted text to locate relevant information. Don’t stop to think about the meaning of every word. If you find something too difficult to read, try reading a text book or overview first. Skim read first to get the general meaning, then scan for the relevant pieces of information. Only read analytically when you are sure that the book or article is relevant.

Clear, organised notes help you to: maintain your interest while reading see the connections between the ideas of different writers gain a deeper understanding of a topic plan an answer to an assignment question identify “gaps” in your knowledge review a topic – to keep it fresh in your mind avoid plagiarism

Making effective notes Before reading: Think about what you know about a topic already. Write a list of questions to answer from your reading. Use these questions to structure your notes as headings and subheadings. Make a note of the full reference details at the time – DON’T leave it to the end!!! While reading: Use the purpose of the text to structure your notes. Use the headings and subheadings in the text to structure your notes.

Try different note-making styles

5 things to remember … 1.Academic reading takes time 2.Think about your objective – what do you want to learn? 3.Engage with the text – think about what it is saying 4.Practise your reading – train your “reading muscles” 5.Reading helps your writing (Godfrey, J. (2009) How to use your reading in your essays (London and New York: Palgrave Macmillan) p.3-4)

Further advice Davies, M. (2011) Study Skills for International Postgraduates. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Kirton, B. and Macmillan, K. (2007) Just Write. Abingdon: Routledge. Cottrell, S. (2008) The Study Skills Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan For help with finding resources in your subject area: Contact your Faculty Librarian Study Skills & EAP Toolkits Available on Blackboard – DOS-LET: Learning Enhancement Team

Learning Enhancement Team Resources Study guides and webcasts on our website Workshops Group sessions, centrally or in your School Tutorials Expert tuition to help you improve your work Our tutors provide free and confidential guidance on: · study skills · mathematics and statistics · academic writing · use of 22

Extra reading support on Blackboard Go to the ‘Learn’ section of the Portal and look for the module ‘DOS-LET: Learning Enhancement Team’ Study Skills & EAP Toolkits (100+ hours): DOS-LET: Learning Enhancement Team tab

Drop-ins and tutorials Drop-ins: Mon-Thurs, 4-5pm in the Dean of Students’ Office Tutorials: 50min individual appointments 24

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An introduction to academic writing Tuesday 13 October JSC 2.03, 1-2pm Thursday 15 October Arts 2.07, 1-2pm (repeat) This workshop will explore some of the features of academic writing, including structure and style. No booking is required. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. 26