Learning OutcomesLearning Outcomes

1. Describe the reading techniques involved in fast reading;

2. Describe the reading techniques involved in slow reading; and

3. Apply the reading techniques discussed into your own reading.

Purpose of ReadingPurpose of Reading

To get an overview To locate specific information Practical application To develop detailed and analytical

understanding Reading for pleasure/Free-range

reading

1. Fast reading1. Fast reading

Fast reading is for the following purposes: Gain an overview or background

information of a topic; Locate specific information; Identify if the material is relevant to your

needs; and Know what the content is all about.

a) Scanninga) Scanning

Done when you want to locate specific information quickly and efficiently

Quick absorption of the content Read no more than necessary

Example:

Looking up a number in a telephone directory

How to Scan?How to Scan?

1. Look at the table of contents (TOC)2. Read the chapter headings and

subheadings3. Go to the relevant sections of the book

and read the first paragraph or the section headings

4. Search the index for keywords5. Look out for hints ie. Words in bold,

italics, underlined, subheadings.

b) Skimmingb) Skimming

Done when you need to cover a large amount of material in a short time and not looking for anything in particular

Get good general impression of what the material is all about

How to Skim?How to Skim?

1. Read the headings in bold typeface

2. Search through the text very quickly – read the first and last paragraphs; note keywords

3. Move your eyes in zig-zag manner – left to right, then down

2. Slow reading2. Slow reading

Slow reading allows you to: Analyse and understand; Evaluate and be critical; Remember the information you read;

and Follow instructions.

Two approaches:Two approaches:

Analytical Approach Used when you need to understand

terminology, follow instructions or remember what you have read.

Critical Approach Used when you need to evaluate the

material you are reading.

SQ3RSQ3R

An active and systematic approach to reading academic material

S = Survey Q = Question R = Read R = Recite R = Review

S = surveyS = survey

Surveying the material to get the best overview of the information content.

Scan and skim through the material.

Q = questionQ = question

Ask appropriate questions to provide focus in reading.

Read section by section and ask questions.

R = readR = read

Question yourself while reading and try to answer.

Read slowly for difficult passages. Read rapidly by focusing on keywords. Stop and look closer at parts which are

not clear.

R = reciteR = recite

Recite for comprehension – ask questions, take notes, highlights, rewrite.

Organise information in your mind after each reading by doing mental maps.

Check your recall against the book – speak, listen.

R = reviewR = review

Review your notes Understand the material you have read.

Summary of Your ReadingSummary of Your Reading

When reading, gather these information to get an overview of the content of the reading material: DateTitle of BookEssay or articleAuthorPublishing detailsSubjectMain point(s)CommentsImportant informationRelated works

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

Table of Contents provide:A general idea of the module’s content.Able to see the module’s structure & specific

topics

This module comprises 10 topics that provide you with specific information

The Course GuideThe Course Guide

Provides an overview of the course. Consists of:

IntroductionCourse AudienceStudy ScheduleCourse ObjectivesCourse SynopsisPrior Knowledge

Getting Acquainted with the Getting Acquainted with the Course ContentCourse Content Read the content itself. Notice the different icons and what they

represent.

Learning Skills: Reading for Information by Open University Malaysia is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License.

Based on a work at http://oer.oum.edu.my.

Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.oum.edu.my.