Reading Techniques

The modes of critical thinking (effective reasoning) are:

Problems that cause s-l-o-w reading:

#1. Poor concentration

Lack of interestDaydreamingWorrying about other problemsCant remember what is read

Problems contd:

#2. Underdeveloped vocabulary

Difficult to learn new vocabulary Not sure where to find word meanings

Learning the new vocabulary for each course is essential to understanding new ideas & concept.

Problems contd:

#3. Poor reading techniques:

Stuck in one gearTakes too long to read assignmentCannot find main points & important details

Problems contd:

#4. No system for reading textbooks:

SQ3R

SurveyQuestionReadReciteReview

Problems contd:

#5. The blank mind syndrome:

Eyes just passing over wordsReading without reflection

Organize lecture & textbook notes using notecardsRecite notes aloudDevelop questions from notesRead questions aloudCheck for accuracySeparate note-cards you know from ones you dont know

SQ3RWeaver Reading Efficiency softwareUltimate Speed Reader

SurveyQuestionReadReciteReviewSee handout for SQ3R study reading technique procedures.

Software programGo to American Studies 206Talk with ARC computer lab attendant for instructionsCan access this program free of charge:

Mon., Wed., Fri. 10am to 5pm & 7pm to 10pmTues., & Thurs., after 3:00pm and evenings 7pm to 10pm

Average rate = 250 wpmSome faster readers = 500 to 600 with comprehensionGood reading = speed + comprehensionLooking up phone number = 25,000 wpm

Set a timer for 1 minute while you read a magazine or newspaper article.

Read to understand the material but dont try to memorize it.

After 1 minute has passed, count the average number of words in one complete line you have just read & multiply that times the total number of lines read during that one minute.

The result will give an approximate reading speed or words per minute reading rate.

Reading textbooks faster than 250 wpm increases the risk that important ideas and clarifying details will be missed.Lack of practice and trying to read and memorize information at the same time leads to problems.

Increases reading speed in a variety of ways: 30 minutes

Reading Warm-UpsEye Movement skills Newspaper Reading Paced Reading Timed Reading Eye Max Game

Go to the Academic Resources Center in AMST 206.

Make an appointment to meet with the ARC reading lab attendant for quick instructions.

Dedicate at least two hours weekly

The more you practice, the quicker you will reach your goal.

Students who have a reading disability or suspect that they have may have a reading disability that impacts reading/learning, should contact TRIO Student Support Services in the Lee Building.

Mrs. Teresa McLeod, Disabilities counselor.

Ms. Karen HortonCoordinator, Academic Resources Center, TEC 334

One-to-one peer tutoring by appointmentSupplemental Instruction (SI)Learning strengths & styles assessmentLearning Enhancement SeminarsTime ManagementReading comprehension, vocabulary, & speed development.. And more ...