Wednesday, July 1, 2009

INCREASING READING SPEED

I. CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS
  • When time demands and purpose permits, you must possess the ability to "switch gears" (absorb the ideas and information in books at more rapid speeds).
  • This high-level fast reading however should not be interpreted as applicable to all types of reading situations.
II. CAUSES OF SLOW READING SPEEDS
  • Individual variables - intelligence, motivation, physiological and psychological traits.
  • Deficiencies in vocabulary and comprehension levels required for the reading.
  • Inflexibility - tendency to read everything the same way regardless of what it is.
  • Passivity - failure to become involved with the material being read.
  • Unnecessary and habitual regression or re-reading because of lack of
  • concentration.
  • Slow reaction time to reading material.
III. TO BEGIN...
  • Determine the purpose of the assignment.
  • Preview the selection to determine its difficulty.
  • Be flexible. Determine how to read an assignment by its difficulty and purpose.
  • Understand that there are many reading speeds, and pace yourself.
  • Get ready to read. Sit at a desk or table; you may need to shut down your computer if it is on your desk. This will avoid the distractions of E-mail and Instant Messenger; do not sit on the couch.
  • Set a time limit, but be realistic. Look at how many pages you have to read.
  • Concentrate. If you push your rate up to capacity, you will not have time to think about other things and allow your mind to wonder.
  • Try a self-pacing method:

Use an index card, ruler, or straight edge and move it down the page as you read.

-OR-

Move your finger or pencil point down the margin beside the lines you are reading.

  • Relax - it promotes concentration.
http://www.ulc.psu.edu/studyskills/test_taking.html#essay

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