1. Sherfield and Moody Cornerstones
Topic: Read

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

3. 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

4. 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!”

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. A Plan for Active Reading: SQ3R

11. 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

12. 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!

13. 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

14. 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!

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

16. 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.