Strategies for Active Reading

212:189Fall 2011

Reading is ThinkingActive Readers Passive Readers

Tailor reading to suit assignment Read all assignments the same way

Analyze the purpose of an assignment Read because it was assigned

Adjust speed to suit purpose Read all at same speed

Question ideas in the assignment Accept print as true

Compare and connect textbook and lecture content

Study lecture notes and textbook separately

Skim heading to find out what and assignment is before reading

Check the length of the assignment before reading

Make sure they understand what they are reading as they are reading

Read until finished

Read ready to take notes Read

Develop strategies that are effective Follow routine, standard methods.

Assessing Your Learning Style

• Everyone learns differently• There is no right or wrong way

Types of Learning

Auditory: Learn through hearing • Discuss/study with friends• Read aloud• Record questions and answers

Types of Learning

Visual: learn through seeing• Draw-diagrams, charts, pictures, tables• Imagine the event• Use DVDs, videos and the internet

Types of Learning

Applied: Learning through doing and touching; applying the skill• Think of how the reading can be used in the

real world• Use case studies and examples

Types of Learning

Conceptual: Learning through ideas and language; thinking about the skill• Use outlining• Focus on thought patterns

Types of Learning

Spatial: See how things work within space; drawers, assemblers, repairers-showing things• Use mapping, outlining, drawings and

visualization

Types of Learning

Verbal: Do not see how things work in space; rely more on verbal/language skills• Translate diagrams and drawings into

language• Record steps, processes and procedures (like a

lab)• Write summaries and interpretations

Types of Learning

Social: Likes to work with others• Form study groups or join up with a study

partner• Interact with the instructor-go to office hours• Work with a tutor

Types of Learning

Independent: Does not like to work with others• Use online tutorials• Buy review books and study guides

Types of Learning

Creative: Imaginative and innovative• Record your own ideas• Ask and questions

Types of Learning

Pragmatic: Practical, logical and systematic• Study in an organized environment• Write lists, steps, procedures, and processes

Eliminating Distractions

• Chose a quiet place to read.• Know your body.– Tired, sick, sluggish, hungry

• Have everything within reach.• Choose a time when your attention span is at

its best.

Focusing

• Set goals and time limits.• Reward yourself with a break!• Begin by reviewing.• Write and highlight as you read (CAUTION)• Approach the assignment critically-points of

view, opinions, purpose

Developing Levels of Thinking

• Remembering– Recalling information– Repeating information with no changes• Example: Defining

Developing Levels of Thinking

• Understanding– Understanding/comprehending ideas– Using rules and following directions• Example: Explaining a law

Developing Levels of Thinking

• Applying– Applying knowledge to a new situation– Using new knowledge• Example: Using new math formulas to solve a problem

Developing Levels of Thinking

• Analyzing– Seeing relationships between things– Breaking information into parts– Analyzing how things work• Example: Comparing two poems by the same author

Developing Levels of Thinking

• Evaluating– Making judgments– Assessing the worth of information• Example: The effectiveness of an argument opposing

the death penalty

Developing Levels of Thinking

• Creating– Putting ideas and information together in a unique

way– Creating something new• Example: Designing a new computer program

Homework

• Read AR 35-48 due F 9/2• Ex. 7, 10, and 12 due on ICON in the dropbox

by 10pm F 9/2