Effective Reading

1. Effective Reading The Learning Centre Grace Conti

2. Vector of Reader’s Interest Source: Sheridan Baker The Practical Stylist 3rd Ed. Thomas Y. Crowell Co. New York. 1973. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

3. Find your purpose • What is important? • What is new? • What is familiar? • Is my mind prepared? • READ WITH THE QUESTION IN MIND Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

4. Steps in Reading your Assignment Question • IDENTIFY THE TOPIC • The topic states what the assignment is about • IDENTIFY KEY TERMS • Instruction words – Verbs – give the directive • Content words – Nouns – give the topic • Modifiers – Adjectives, adverbs – give the tone/attitude/stance Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

5. Look for Cues of Organisation • Sequence • Cause and Effect • Problem/Solution Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

6. Turn the Assignment into questions • Example: Organisms and organisations can survive rapid environmental change if they adopt renewal strategies embodied in living, learning cultures. They must simultaneously adapt to and embrace change, while evolving new ways of operating and allocating resources. In short, they must evolve and devolve to survive and thrive (Peterson, 2009, p. 238). Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

7. Read with a question in mind • Discuss this with reference to organisational theories and principles, in light of an organisation with which you are familiar. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

8. Make a list of Information to be Researched • Key terms • Key arguments • Key authors Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

9. Thesis Statement • Start thinking of what your main message might be • Know the word count requirement – helps the ‘how much do I need to read’ dilemma! • How many key ideas can be developed within the limit? • Read with a purpose – what am I looking for? Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

10. Academic Writing requires Critical Thinking and Critical Reading • Start by asking yourself: “What do I think of what I’ve just read?” • Whilst you may have a point of view, this needs to be supported by critical thinking and evidence from texts. • Life experiences are important for critical thinking, but must be supported by researched evidence. • Be mindful of your biases and prejudices. Your argument/point of view must be valid. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

11. Keeping a critical eye Content • Evaluate the Evidence • Question surface appearance – figures; tables; charts; diagrams • Theory or model base • Conclusion • Does the evidence support the conclusion? Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

12. Where do I start? • Course text • Course lecture notes • Recommended reading • Seminal authors (Who are they? Where can I find them?) • Academic journal articles Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

13. 1st Reading - Skimming • Title • Publication details • Abstract • Graphics – images • Sub-Headings Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

14. 2nd Reading - Scanning • Thesis statement or focus (last sentence of Introduction) • Introduction • Conclusion • Sub-Heading and First sentence of every paragraph. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

15. 3rd Reading - Reading for detail • Looking for evidence to support your argument • Highlighting key words & concepts • Note-taking Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

16. 4th Reading – Reading for Recall • Read highlighted parts • Read notes • Make more notes • Combine notes from different sources. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

17. The BIG tip! • Do NOT • Do NOT • Do NOT read more than 3 sources before you STARTWRITING! • You MUST start writing to enhance your READING efficiency and effectiveness Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

18. Note Taking • The Cornell System – also very useful for synthesising. Recall Column Main notemaking Summary Reading using Visualising Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

19. Highlighter Trap • Highlighting important information or facts so they can be easily found later, is a helpful strategy. • Highlighting everything you want to remember is not so helpful. Don’t confuse highlighting with active reading. They are not the same thing. • Sometimes students highlight so much information, it is impossible to distinguish what is of value from what is not. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

20. How to Focus • Sandy MacGregor’s Technique • Before reading text, take a deep breath and go to peaceful place within your mind using porpoise eye movement • Eye porpoising is done by closing eyes, roll them upwards (2 or 3 seconds), roll them back forward. • Do this 2 or 3 times. • Open eyes, look at text and • Tell yourself “I can’t wait to read this”. http://www.calm.com.au/about/sandy-macgregor Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

21. Engage the subconscious The Learning Centre CURTIN Grace Conti CRICOS 00301J http://cdn.bluefaqs.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Google-Cliff2.jpg