1. How to read a journal article
Margaret Wilson
Te Puna Ako Learning Centre

2. Objectives: Describe some features of academic journals
Be able to identify your purpose for reading
Describe how to read strategically
Describe how to read actively

3. Academic journals What are they?
Peer-reviewed publications written by qualified academics
Recently published articles are considered to have the most up-to-date info (about one year from writing to publication)
Often written with complex language and challenging to read
Usually found through library databases and reference lists

4. Choosing an article Some questions to consider: Is it up-to-date?
Who is the author?
How does it relate to the question you are trying to answer?
Is the article peer-reviewed?

5. Essay question example
Establishing partnerships with whanau and community is fundamental to early childhood education. Discuss. Include specific examples.

6. Identify your purpose for reading
Are you reading to answer a specific question?
Or do you have a more general question?

7. Using the structure to guide your reading
Title
Abstract
Headings
Introduction and conclusion
First and last sentences of paragraphs

8. Think about the title It’s in the bag:
Parental involvement in a numeracy at- home program
What questions do you have about the article after reading the title?
Posing questions before you read will help you to read in a more focussed way.

9. Read the abstract This is a detailed summary of the article.
After reading the abstract, you may decide not to read the article
But don’t be too quick to judge

10. Get an overview of the article
Skim through the article looking at headings and subheadings
Look at diagrams, pictures, tables
Read the introduction and the conclusion carefully

11. What is the structure of the article?
Recognising the structure can help you to understand the article
What is the structure of this article?
Background
Literature Review
Methodology
Results and discussion
Conclusions and implications
Is this a typical structure?

12. Read critically
Be aware of opinions that aren’t supported with evidence. Phrases like surely/we have to remember/ it is perfectly clear/it is obvious that, etc. are sometimes used without evidence.
Look at the author’s evidence. Are there flaws or gaps in the argument?
What are the author’s assumptions? Are they fair assumptions?

13. Read actively Keep your purpose in mind
Make predictions about what you expect to find
Link what you are reading to what you already know about the subject
Have a conversation with the text

14. Notetaking Experiment with different ways of notetaking: -mindmapping
-using three different coloured highlighters
-writing in the margins
Keep your purpose in mind: your notes should address the question you want answered.

15. Mindmap (using SimpleMind +)

16. Apps to make notes online: Claro PDF

17. If you get stuck…
Try finding something easier to read: another article, wikipedia, a textbook
Talk to someone else about what you have read as this can clarify your thinking
Try reading particularly difficult passages out loud
Book an appointment with one of us at the Learning Centre

18. All the best for your academic reading
Kia kaha!
All the best for your academic reading