Chapter 8 Quiz1. What is a Logodaedalian?

2. Define/Explain the SQ3R Method.

Cornerstone:First Year Experience

Chapter Eight:Read

Top Academic Problems?

College math coursesand

Reading comprehension

Reading Six Pack

Active v. Passive Reading Active readers tend to approach

assignments with a positive, open mind:◦ “I’m going to learn from this.” “I think I can apply

this to my life now” Passive readers tend to have a negative

attitude about reading: ◦ “This stuff is worthless.”

http://www.online-stopwatch.com/full-screen-stopwatch

/

Calculating your reading rate

Rate Calculator for Relatively Easy Passages

Your Reading Rate

Time in Seconds and Minutes

Words Per Minute

50 46460 (1 min) 387120 (2 min) 194130 179140 165150 155160 145170 137180 (3 min) 129200 116

Test your Comprehension Skills

Comprehension Results Conclusions1. True2. True3. False4. True5. False

Average reading speed is 250 words/minute

Average textbook page has 450 words

Speed/Comprehension scores are raw numbers for basic reading◦ Does not allow for marking,

highlight, note taking, etc◦ Coupling these skills with

basic reading can TRIPLE the required reading time.

Reading Speed bumps Not concentrating on the passage (thinking

about other things) Vocabulary words with which you are not

familiar Stopping too long on any given single word

(Fixation – discussed later) Not reading often enough to build your

speed.

Are You a Logodaedalian? A person who has a great passion for

unique, sly, and clever words and phrases. Develop a dynamic vocabulary by reading Look up unfamiliar words in a collegiate

dictionary Jot down the best definition in the margin of

your text

Annotated Dictionary Entry

Can Speed and Comprehension be Improved? Increasing your Concentration

◦ Reduce outside distractions such as people talking, poor climate conditions (cold/hot), televisions, etc.

◦ Reduce internal distractions such as fatigue, self-talk, daydreaming, hunger, etc.

◦ Take short breaks every 20 minutes, but don’t get distracted, come back in 3-5 minutes.

◦ Take notes as you read

Can Speed and Comprehension be Improved? Increasing your Vocabulary

◦ If you do not know a word – stop and look it up.◦ If you are “in the zone” – mark the word, and look

it up at your 20 minute break, then re-read the passage.

◦ The more words you learn, the less often you will have to break your concentration.

◦ It is nearly impossible to read, comprehend, and remember a passage when you do not know or understand one or more words.

Can Speed and Comprehension be Improved? Reducing your Fixation

◦ Fixation is when your eyes stop on a single word to read it.

◦ The average reader sees approximately 2.5 words per fixation

◦ Reduce fixation through practice. Try seeing two or more words with one fixation.

Expanding Fixation – dot practice

Expanding Fixation – dot practice

Developing this skill requires PRACTICE

Getting to the Point The topic is the main idea of the paragraph

– identifying the main idea of a paragraph can greatly aid your comprehension.◦ You can identify the topic by answering the

question: “Who or what is this paragraph about?”◦ Topic statements should be general enough to

over all of the specifics of the paragraph.◦ Topic statements should be specific enough to

exclude other paragraphs. Practicing these steps of identifying the

main idea will help you learn to do it naturally.

SQ3R - A Plan for Successful Reading S = Scan Q = Question R = Read R = Recite R = Review Only effective when used on a regular basis,

useless as a method for cramming. The method is time consuming, but highly

effective.

SQ3R - Scanning Read the title, headings, and subheadings

of the chapter. Look at bold terms and graphic material

(timelines, graphs, charts, pictures, etc). If there is a chapter summary, read it. Read first and last sentence of each

paragraph. Scanning IS NOT a substitute for reading a

chapter.

SQ3R - Questioning Turn major chapter headings into questions Ask “Who? What? When? Where? Why?”

type questions. If you cannot answer these questions after

scanning, you should search for the answers while reading

SQ3R - Reading READ THE CHAPTER Read paragraphs chronologically, don’t jump

around – paragraphs build on one another. Take notes and highlight as you read.

◦ Read an entire paragraph before marking◦ Identify and mark the main point◦ Highlight key ideas◦ Beware of overmarking text◦ Stop to look up unfamiliar words

Take complete notes, beyond highlighting and scribbles in the margin◦ See page 163 for Sample Note-Take Methods

SQ3R - Reciting After reading the chapter, ask yourself:

“What was that all about?” Discuss the chapter with a classmate, ask

questions. Recite alone or with a study partner, if you

can’t explain the chapter to yourself or someone else, you didn’t understand the material.

SQ3R - Reviewing Final step for comprehension – RE-read the

chapter. Survey and read text again. Answer questions you developed. Determines whether you have mastered the

information. Stores and retains the information in long

term memory.

Chapter Reflections Approach text with an open mind Free your mind of distractions so you can focus Read with your “six pack” Look up words you don’t know Record vocabulary words to review Use SQ3R The more you use your reading skills, the better

you’ll become at reading and comprehending If you’re having trouble, ask for help. (Professor,

Academic Centers, Excel Center, Tutor)

Wednesday Wednesday we will be meeting in TLC 1116. Journal Assignments due (free write or Dr

Horrible). Email your group members to me by the

end of October, if you are having trouble finding partners, let me know by Oct 25th.