Getting to Grips with Reading

1. Getting to Grips with Reading Some strategies

2. Academic reading • It has a purpose • There is a lot of it. The language of the texts you are reading may be dense and complicated. • It has to be active and purposeful • There is usually a deadline • It can be thrilling

3. Handle it by • Building up the speed of your reading • Developing your understanding of more complex texts • Remembering what you have read • Keeping records of what you have read

4. Strategies: Speed • Be selective- this is vital. SMART targets. • Is the information in a chapter- how much do you need to read? • Skim the text. Move your eyes over it. Keep your eyes moving. Look for key words and opening sentences. • Check for clues, the introduction, abstract and conclusion, before worrying about the details. • Use colour- highlighters and stickers. But again- selectively.

5. Speed • Examine your reading habits: build an exercise regime. • Stay engaged with the text- read for shorter periods rather than extended ones • Where do you read? • Exercise the skill and stretch yourself. • Build your lexicon: use dictionaries

6. Strategies: Understanding • Think about what you are looking for. • Re-read difficult paragraphs and passages. Slow down. • Build your lexicon. Use dictionaries. • Interact with the text. Making effective notes- Write the information in your own words. Use diagrams, symbols.

7. Understanding • Argue with the text. What is the premise? Is it flawed? Is there an argument? • What is the author trying to tell you? • What sort of evidence is the author using? Academic conventions? • Ask who? Who? What? Why? • Be critical in a constructive way.

8. Remembering • Record keeping: so you can find what you read again. Index cards? • Note making: in your own words. • Timing • Referencing: avoid plagiarism at all costs. Keep bibliographical details. • Show your reading in your writing and other assignments.

9. SQ3R • Survey • Question • Read • Recall/Recite • Review http://www.bbk.ac.uk/studyskills http://www.mybirkbeck/get-ahead-stay-ahead

10. SMART • Selective • Measurable • Achievable • Relevant • Timed

11. Academic Reading • Reading is work. It can be frustrating and you can become bored and distracted. You do not want to misread or misinterpret a text. It does become easier and you will use what you have read in your own writing. • Effective, efficient and purposeful reading = pleasure and satisfaction.

12. And.. • Do get an assessment for dyslexia • ADHD • Avoid stress • Eye test? • Use the Assistive Technology support services provided by the Library and IT services.