ACTIVE READING

Most of us have to read a certain amount of material for one reason or other: perhaps we are taking a course; perhaps we need to read something for work, perhaps we are giving a talk on one an outside interest to a group or club. All too often we approach such an assignment with the idea of reading a certain number of pages, or starting at the beginning and reading page by page until we have completed the reading. While this approach does get the reading over with, it does not encourage you think about what you are reading-to participate activity.

People who enjoy reading have learned to look for clues or key ideas as they read. They often do this without realizing it, but it is part of what make reading fun. If you have never tried the technique, you might want to see how it works. In some ways it’s like taking a trip someplace you’ve never been. You would  not just start off and you have were going in the right directions; you would probably check a road map carefully to see the directions you want to ago, the types of a roads, the location of towns or other special points. It’s the same with reading. If you have some ideas of what is included in the material and how it presented, you will get more out of your reading and enjoy it more. You can do this by looking over the reading briefly in a methodological way to see the main points of the chapter or article. 

First, read the opening paragraph or two. This introductory material will acquaint you with the main thought that the author will discuss. Then read the first sentences of the next few paragraphs. These sentences will probably give you a general idea of the content. Then read the final paragraph or two, which will give you a summary of the material covered. You should note anything the author has used to add emphasis: headings, bold-face type, italics, graphs, pictures, and questions at the end of the chapter. This preview of you reading should be done very quickly. 

Second, re-read the whole assignment more thoroughly. The speed and emphasis of the second reading will depend upon the information and direction you gained from you preview of the material. For examples, you will often be able to judge the important, read it carefully. If, on the basic of your first reading, the paragraph does not seem so important, it is probably sufficient to skim it, but do not skip in entirely.

You will need to adapt your approach to fit the writing style of the author. In some books various sections have topics set in bold-face type or set in the margins. Use these as guides to the content. Question at the end of the chapter can give you an idea of what is contained in the chapter.

As you read, try to relate this assignment to what you already know about topic. Is it new materials? Does it differ from your earlier thinking on the subject? Ask yourself these simple questions as you move along: why? What? Who? When? Where? How? This approach can help you concentrate on this assignment, because as you ask questions you are taking an activity role as a reader.

With such a systematic approach you will be able to direct your attention and concentration toward understanding the material more completely. The better your initial understanding of your reading, the easier it will be to retain and integrate the information. You will not be wasting your time; you will make be making more efficient use of the time you have. You may also find the reading has become more fun than work!

 Taken from: the compilation materials of extensive reading