University students read enormous volumes of information which need to be understood and retained. Often students feel overwhelmed with the amount of reading required to do well in their courses. While there is no denying that students have to read hundreds of pages each term, those who possess effective reading skills and strategies cope well and succeed.

This module helps you assess your present reading skills and determine how to make them more effective. This module is not only for poor readers. You might be an excellent reader, yet wish to hone your skills and be more efficient when you read.

The module provides reflective questions, information on key issues, and practical strategies for improving your overall reading. Tools to assist you in this process can be downloaded, in PDF format, throughout these webpages.

How Reading Fits into Studying and Learning Skills

Study and learning skills contain 3 parts:

The 4 steps to good reading:

1. Setting Up for Reading

2. Being Aware of Yourself as a Reader

3. Developing Your Reading Skills

4. Self-Assessment and Monitoring

READING MYTHS

MYTH 1. I have to read every word.

Reality: You will lose reading speed if you try to read every word. Read for ideas; do not process each word.
However…you need to read all “content” words, i.e. nouns, verbs, adjective, adverbs, and linking words (e.g. and, however, because) as these words hold meaning.

MYTH 2. Reading once is enough.

Reality: Start with a skim read to get the gist and main ideas. Then, reread the passage (perhaps several times, depending on the task) for deeper meaning.
However…there are situations where depth of comprehension is not essential so skimming is enough.

MYTH 3. It is sinful to skip passages.

Reality: Note whether a paragraph describes a main idea or supporting detail. You should never skip a main idea paragraph.
However…depending on the purpose for reading and the level of detail provided in the passage, it might be possible to skip some passages which contain redundancy or extra information.

MYTH 4. If I skim or read too fast, my comprehension will drop.

Reality: Comprehension comes from extracting the main ideas, not slow painful reading. You need to find a balance between your speed and comprehension.
However…consider the purpose for reading. For example, if you are reading for detail, you will need to slow down and read more methodically.

Modified from:
www.dartmouth.edu/admin/
acskills/reading.html