Learning to read was one of the key steps in our early education. Through simple language and storybook visuals we first learned how to assimilate meaning and knowledge. But, as the words became longer and more plentiful, we were not necessarily taught more advanced reading techniques as well. As such, just as we sometimes hear but do not listen, we often “read” words but do not fully comprehend the full meaning or context.
Think about this. How often have you read a full paragraph of text but struggled at the end to remember its content or retrieve the required learning from the exercise? Our study time is too precious to waste it on ineffective reading. Now is the time to practise reading to learn and to begin achieving the maximum learning possible from the time spent on school texts.
Step back from the daunting task of reading the vast quantities of material across all your subject choices. Using the various techniques below should help you absorb or recall the information in the most practical way. There is a also a difference between studying a language and, say, a technical subject. Languages are very much about vocabulary, sentence structure and grammatical concepts while a specialised subject may rely on recall of visuals, charts, numerics and facts.
Plan to look at individual subjects on the basis of what is the most effective way for you to assimilate the key information and the best ways to retrieve the results on your exam day.
It's not necessarily about being the best reader but it is about getting the most out of what you do read.
Reading to learn: Every text or chapter you read must have a defined purpose. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Why am I reading this article, chapter, or book?
- What do I want to achieve from this?
- What do I need to know about this topic?
- How will this information improve my overall knowledge of the topic?
- How will I use this information when I'm being examined on this topic?
- Do I have this information condensed (flash cards/summary notes) for rapid revision later on?
Techniques for learning key information:
Scan techniques: Looking for key data (formulae/pages/ tables/headings). You may then proceed to skim or read the text in greater detail.
Learning tip: Tables, charts and idea maps are useful to identify important and relevant parts of a required topic and can be an excellent aid to help save time in your search for key information.
Skimming the text: A rapid search technique which helps you quickly cover large amounts of information with a view to gaining an overview of the text.
Learning tip: It's useful to identify key words and phrases which will ensure that further reading for comprehension will be time well spent. It is also useful when revising as it will help better recall of the full body of the text.
Reading for full comprehension: You are reading the text fully and in greater detail. You are required to understand key words and phrases – such as in foreign language texts – or need to pick up key technical information – such as in maths and science subjects.
Learning tip: Look out for meaning and context. Take note of these. Memorise words or phrases that will trigger better recall of the overall text or article, especially at exam time.
Summarise: Once you have gained a full understanding of the material, it can be a good idea to summarise your learning in study notes, flashcards or audio recordings.
Learning Tip: Summarise the topic with exam questions in mind. Making notes in the margins will help identify key information which will be useful at future readings.
Light reading: You are reading supplementary material or background information on the topic in question. This can help deepen your understanding and provide extra details for answering exam questions.
Learning Tip: Reading a novel, magazine or newspaper article in your spare time would be an example of the above. The additional information can make the difference in getting those extra marks at exam time.
How to apply the different types of reading/learning:
Try using the following for your next learning opportunity - SSRCRR
1. Scan information eg, textbook to find the chapter relevant to your topic.
2. Skim the chapter or text to ensure the required information is there and that the time spent reading it will not be a waste of valuable time.
3. Read for comprehension – understanding the detail of the piece.
4. Clarify the accuracy of your learning. Try to visualise questions that could be asked.
5. Recap – recall what you have learned.
6. Revisit (maybe in a later session) the text to ensure that your learning has been robust.
Learning tips:
- Jot down key words for your flash-cards. Consider using a pencil if you wish to highlight items in your textbook.
- Some textbooks will have a very useful summary at the end of the chapter – most useful for revision and learning key words to help expand your answers in exams.
- Mix it up 1 – why not recite your answers aloud or create a visual of a main character reciting a key line or quote from a play? It will help with recall during your exam.
- Mix it up 2 – use a classmate or friend to test yourself on information learned or try to explain it to somebody. It really works.
- Know your optimum learning time when you are reading large amounts of information – take a break then and recap/recall to ensure that your concentration is good and that you have not wasted a valuable study session.
- Know what works for you. Be disciplined. The more you apply the above techniques the more it will feel like second nature and the better your learning will be.