Sherfield and Moody Cornerstones Topic: Read

College math courses and Reading comprehension Top Academic Problems College math courses and Reading comprehension

Ingredients for Successful Reading The material you are reading Pens or pencils and a highlighter Paper for taking notes A dictionary (traditional or online) Time devoted exclusively to reading An open mind

Active v. Passive Reading Active readers approach assignments with a positive, open mind and say “I’m going to learn from this!” Passive readers have a negative attitude about reading: “This stuff is worthless!”

How Long Will It Take? Calculate your raw reading speed Average reading speed is 250 words/minute Average textbook page has 450 words

Are You a Logodaedalian? Develop a dynamic vocabulary by reading Look up unfamiliar words in a collegiate or online dictionary Jot down the best definition in the margin of your text

Improve Speed and Comprehension Increase your concentration Reduce distractions Set a schedule with breaks Take notes as you read Reduce your fixations Average reader sees 2.5 words per eye movement

Reading Online Material Set a schedule with breaks Survey entire site first Copy/paste to enlarge as needed Use online sticky notes or highlighters to mark Take notes as you read Use text-to-speech program to convert written word into audio presentation

Get to the Point! The topic is the subject of the paragraph Many paragraphs in college texts will not have a specific topic sentence Ask “Who or what is this paragraph about?” to find the main idea

A Plan for Active Reading: SQ3R

SQ3R - Scanning Read the title, headings, and subheadings Look at bold terms and graphic material Read chapter summary Read first and last sentence of each paragraph

SQ3R - Questioning Turn major chapter headings into questions Ask “Who? When? What? Where? Why?” Answer questions after reading If you can’t answer these, reread right away!

SQ3R - Reading Read an entire paragraph before marking Identify and mark the main point Highlight key ideas Beware of overmarking text Stop to look up unfamiliar words Take notes while you read

SQ3R - Reciting After reading, ask “What was that all about?” Explain aloud what you read Recite alone or with a study partner Reread if you can’t recite!

SQ3R - Reviewing Final step for comprehension Survey and read text again Answer questions you developed Stores the information

Topic Reflections Approach text with an open mind Free your mind to focus Read with necessary materials Look up words you don’t know Record vocabulary words to review Use SQ3R Seek assistance if you are having difficulty The more you use your reading skills, the better you’ll become at comprehending text.