In an earlier article, I talked about how you need to plan your reading using a proven three-step process. In this article we'll expand on that process.
First, let's recap the three steps to follow whenever you have a significant amount of homework reading:
1. Skim through the entire assignment.
Get a general idea of what it is about.
2. Read the assignment rapidly.
Remembering what you discovered in step #1, search for key ideas as well as an understanding of what the author has written. Now you are studying while you read.
3. Read for exact meanings.
Having fitted the big idea and the information together, associate these precise meanings with larger items in the general outline. This linking of ideas is not only a sound learning plan but is basic in training your memory.
In addition to this, the sensible thing to do is to make short notes, in your own words, of points you feel are important.
Write these notes in a notebook, write them in the margin of the book, but write them clearly and in an orderly manner somewhere so you can refresh your mind before exam time without a complete re-reading of all of the material. This writing in your own words is practice for what you will be called upon to do later on tests and reports.
The above suggestions may sound time-consuming rather than time saving. What makes them more efficient than many other techniques is the fact that they are based upon sound principles of learning and remembering. Give them a fair trial and you too will find that they not only work but save time as well.
The following anecdote shows what can be gained by substituting these habits for less efficient ones.
Stephanie had a familiar tale of woe. Her habit was to read her economics lesson three or four times. She went through and underlined what he thought were the most important sentences. Just before tests, she outlined the materials in each chapter. The result of all this work was a grade no higher than "C." We agreed that it wasn't enough reward for so big an effort .
Stephanie's repeated readings had followed an identical pattern that brought nothing new to light. They were little better than a single reading would have been. Her underlinings left the author's ideas in the author's own words, robbing Stephanie of needed experience in expressing the idea for herself. Stephanie hadn't learned that underlining should be used mainly for those rules or definitions that must be memorized in the exact words of the textbook.
Stephanie's method of outlining followed the pattern of the textbook completely. Chapter headings and paragraph headings as well as important statements were literally copied from the book.
Unfortunately, Stephanie was getting no practice in organizing materials through this process. She was neither learning nor preparing her memory for exam day.
Certain improvements in Stephanie's reading habits were suggested, including the three-step reading plan outlined at the beginning of this article.
It was also suggested that Stephanie start talking to herself. This idea startled her for sure. She was assured that it would not mean that she was going off the deep end.
It was pointed out to her that it's a habit, consciously and purposefully employed, that would help her clarify her thoughts.
Fact is, talking to yourself forces your brain to digest an idea. If you cannot put it into words, you don't understand it - or at least you won't be able to prove to the teacher that you understand it. Verbal expression is the test of fire. By the way, Stephanie eventually worked her way up to an "A."
CONCLUSION
Obviously, there is a good bit more to the business of reading than being able to devour the pages of the book rapidly. Good reading is an organized undertaking requiring preparation, purpose, discipline and drill. Keep improving your reading skills through conscious effort.
Imagine, for a moment, that it's 6 months from today...
- School has stopped being all work and no play.
- You're able to finish exams before time runs out.
- You're able to cut out the sloppy mistakes that used to kill your grades.
- You've cut down on reading and study time.
- You've lost that nagging feeling that you're missing stuff that everyone else gets.
- You've got more time to do what you WANT to do, not what you HAVE to do.
If this picture appeals to you, check out get better grades website and find out how you can make it happen for you.
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