Dec 30, 2015
Learning OutcomesLearning Outcomes
1. Describe the reading techniques involved in fast reading;
2. Describe the reading techniques involved in slow reading; and
3. Apply the reading techniques discussed into your own reading.
Purpose of ReadingPurpose of Reading
To get an overview To locate specific information Practical application To develop detailed and analytical
understanding Reading for pleasure/Free-range
reading
1. Fast reading1. Fast reading
Fast reading is for the following purposes: Gain an overview or background
information of a topic; Locate specific information; Identify if the material is relevant to your
needs; and Know what the content is all about.
a) Scanninga) Scanning
Done when you want to locate specific information quickly and efficiently
Quick absorption of the content Read no more than necessary
Example:
Looking up a number in a telephone directory
How to Scan?How to Scan?
1. Look at the table of contents (TOC)2. Read the chapter headings and
subheadings3. Go to the relevant sections of the book
and read the first paragraph or the section headings
4. Search the index for keywords5. Look out for hints ie. Words in bold,
italics, underlined, subheadings.
b) Skimmingb) Skimming
Done when you need to cover a large amount of material in a short time and not looking for anything in particular
Get good general impression of what the material is all about
How to Skim?How to Skim?
1. Read the headings in bold typeface
2. Search through the text very quickly – read the first and last paragraphs; note keywords
3. Move your eyes in zig-zag manner – left to right, then down
2. Slow reading2. Slow reading
Slow reading allows you to: Analyse and understand; Evaluate and be critical; Remember the information you read;
and Follow instructions.
Two approaches:Two approaches:
Analytical Approach Used when you need to understand
terminology, follow instructions or remember what you have read.
Critical Approach Used when you need to evaluate the
material you are reading.
SQ3RSQ3R
An active and systematic approach to reading academic material
S = Survey Q = Question R = Read R = Recite R = Review
S = surveyS = survey
Surveying the material to get the best overview of the information content.
Scan and skim through the material.
Q = questionQ = question
Ask appropriate questions to provide focus in reading.
Read section by section and ask questions.
R = readR = read
Question yourself while reading and try to answer.
Read slowly for difficult passages. Read rapidly by focusing on keywords. Stop and look closer at parts which are
not clear.
R = reciteR = recite
Recite for comprehension – ask questions, take notes, highlights, rewrite.
Organise information in your mind after each reading by doing mental maps.
Check your recall against the book – speak, listen.
Summary of Your ReadingSummary of Your Reading
When reading, gather these information to get an overview of the content of the reading material: DateTitle of BookEssay or articleAuthorPublishing detailsSubjectMain point(s)CommentsImportant informationRelated works
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Table of Contents provide:A general idea of the module’s content.Able to see the module’s structure & specific
topics
This module comprises 10 topics that provide you with specific information
The Course GuideThe Course Guide
Provides an overview of the course. Consists of:
IntroductionCourse AudienceStudy ScheduleCourse ObjectivesCourse SynopsisPrior Knowledge
Getting Acquainted with the Getting Acquainted with the Course ContentCourse Content Read the content itself. Notice the different icons and what they
represent.