Reading Effective Reading

What is reading Reading is a cognitive process of decoding symbols to derive meaning from text. It has 3 components which are i). Decoding (translating a printed word into sound) ii) Comprehension (level of understanding of a text. Understanding comes as a result of interaction between words written and prior knowledge. iii) Retention (ability to keep something)

How to read effectively To improve your reading skills you need to: have clear reading goals; choose the right texts; use the right reading style;

Goals and Types of reading Reading for enjoyment: (Light reading) Reading for overview: (Skimming) Reading to search for information: (search reading or scanning) Reading for mastery: (intensive reading) Reading for appreciation: (critical reading)

Reading Goals cont: Knowing reading goals helps to avoid unnecessary reading e.g. reading the whole chapter instead of searching for specific information that you want. Avoid the wrong type of reading e.g. reading generally instead of reading specifically. Reading techniques are chosen according to purpose of study.

Reading techniques: Scanning Fastest reading technique Also known as search reading Not reading at all Running eyes over the page Looking for something that is known Something specific e.g. a word, phrase or sentence( name, date, symbol, formula)

Scanning cont: You can scan: The contents page the introduction or preface of a text; the first or last paragraphs of chapters; the concluding or summarising chapter of a text; the book index

Skimming Also known as overview reading A speedy reading technique to get general meaning Second fastest

Importance of Skimming One browses through a text to Know how the text is organised get a general idea of what it is about identify whether or not to continue reading, Identify what to read carefully, and where the best place is to begin.

Skimming cont: helps one consider what they already know and develop a purpose for reading. An initial skim can also help maximise interest in the text, understanding and reflection on the material Helps one to establish the authors purpose

How to skim One reads but not every word . Eyes skip over sentences or phrases which contain detail. one may skim titles subheadings words in that are in bold, in italics or underlined

How to skim cont: diagrams a report’s abstract, introduction or conclusion the first sentence of every paragraph chapter questions chapter objectives chapter summaries

SQ3R APPROACH Also known as Reading for mastery An acronym for Survey question read recite and recall

Survey Browse through the passage to get a general idea of what the passage is about Prepare the mind for what to expect to locate key terms as a means to assess the text’s relevance

Question Set questions for yourself so that, you have motivation and guide for reading Questions become subheadings for your notes In order to set questions you can turn headings and subheadings into questions

Read Also known as analytical reading or study reading One reads intensively to answer the questions set. You may have to reread certain sections You may need to use a dictionary You may need to highlight important sections Note down answers to questions -Note-taking can help you gain deeper understanding and reflection and a better ability to remember

READ cont; Active reading One engages in active reading. Active reading includes Applying what you know (prior knowledge) Interacting with the author predicting what's coming next Answering questions Summarising what has been read

recall Try to remember what you have read Memorise You can note down what you think you remember

revise Revisit the notes constantly to ensure mastery