The Reading Process

Text/Subject

The Reading Process

• Know what you are reading.

This may seem obvious but it is good to have an idea of what you are reading. Reading often seems more difficult than it really is. Why? It is usually because we are unfamiliar with the topic, language or structure.

• Give yourself enough time to complete your reading.

Only you know your schedule and abilities, so make sure you plan accordingly. Normally, undergrads receive 60 pages of reading per week, per course. If this looks something like your reading load, you should give yourself enough time to read 48 pages per day.

• Create the right mental/physical space.

Aside from losing interest in difficult texts, do you ever find yourself distracted while you read? Make sure your time to read is dedicated to reading and nothing else. Minimize physical and mental distractions where possible.

Pre-Reading

Critical Discussion

-how much you already know about the text/subject

-what do you think you will learn

• Think about what you're reading before you read it

-what are you expecting from the text

This is not a formal part of the reading process, but it is a component that you should anticipate whenever you are given an assigned reading.

Discussion is beneficial for a number of reasons. For one, you are given a chance to recap what you read and are sometimes given a summary.

You may also find your initial reading supplemented in some way. Your opinions may be challenged, complicated or confirmed--all of

which are helpful in seeing the bigger

picture, and doing so from multiple

perspectives.

-look at the text without reading; what stands out?

• Scan or preview the reading

-is there anything in bold or italics

Post-Reading

-are there chapter intros, summaries or other supplemental text?

Active Reading

This step seems the most convenient to skip, but it is the easiest to complete and the most beneficial.

-what is the initial structure of the reading

• Read closely, carefully and repeatedly (if need be).

• re-read passages that gave you trouble

• do some "Google-ing" to answer questions that the text didn't cover

• Write down questions that you have (in the margin or on a separate, dedicated reading log). Make sure to go back and fill in the answer when you find it.

• skim/review the reading and/or your annotations

• reflect

• Make marginal notes

• Mark important passages and pages.

Did you "hate" the reading, learn nothing or find it confusing? Or did the reading process fail you? These are legitimate questions with honest answers. Make sure you give yourself an opportunity to figure out why you didn't like it (maybe it was poorly written), why it was uninformative (perhaps its purpose is never clearly stated) or what type of reading process works best for you.

Now, go to Blackboard. From Lecture I The Reading Process, click and complete the "Reading Process Quiz." Make sure to read all directions and questions closely and carefully. When you are done, make sure to take a look at the APA Format Handout and contribute to the discussion board before coming to class.