What is the best way to read?

What is the best way to read?

Do you spend a lot of time reading texts, or do you have difficulty gaining an overview of all the sections and messages of the text? If so, you may be going about your study reading in the wrong way.

When it comes to study reading, it is always important to remember that different types of text require different reading techniques.

As a starting point, study reading is markedly different from reading a crime story or an article from a newspaper. You read the story from start to finish, but when it comes to study-related material, it is often necessary to prioritise. You can improve your study-related reading if you learn to adjust your reading to the text in your hand.

It is a good idea to divide the reading process into three phases: pre-reading, while reading and post-reading.

What should i do before i start reading?

It is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the text before you start reading. By means of a so-called pre-reading, you form a general view of the text while reflecting on your own purpose with the text.

If you start reading a text without having done a pre-reading, and without knowing why you are reading it, you risk becoming unfocused or losing your motivation!

A pre-reading means looking at the front and the back of the book, the table of contents, illustrations, headlines, graphics, images and the like. This will activate your previous knowledge and help you assess the relevance of the text. In addition, a pre-reading will also enable you to determine the complexity of the text and, consequently, which reading technique you should use.

What do i do while i am reading?

Not all study-related texts need to be read in detail. It is therefore important that you can vary your reading techniques. After a pre-reading, it is easier for you to assess the type of text you are dealing with and which reading technique to use. Should your text be read in a normal way, intensively, or can you just skim it?

Skimming is obvious when you need an overview of a comprehensive subject or a specific piece of information in a text. When you skim a text, it is very useful to focus on the introduction and the conclusion. This is often where you get the essence of the text.

However, if the text is very complex, intensive reading may be required to ensure that you get all the details and explanations. Remember that you can easily switch between reading techniques in the same text!

Do i have to do anything after having read the text?

After having read the text, it is always a good idea to spend a few minutes to reflect on what you have read. Think about what you have learned and understood. Ask yourself if you have understood the overall messages and key concepts of the text. If not, it may be a good idea to read the text again. It is important that you seek answers to the things you are in doubt about – ask your study group or the teacher for help.

If it is a slightly more difficult text with many important concepts and keywords, you may write a brief summary or make a mind map after having read the text. This is one way to ensure that you remember what you have just read.

Why take notes?

When you take notes, it helps you remember what you have learnt and improve your understanding.

Notes are more than mere pieces of paper you can pull out of the drawer and use before an exam. Note-taking is also a way to store and remember what you learn.

Taking notes also keeps you focused during class and prevents your mind from wandering.

In addition, it promotes the processing of the material and provides an overview. Notes help you understand what you hear or read because you engage with the material and underline the most important points.

How do I take notes during class?

It is always worthwhile to take notes while listening to the teacher. All research points out that taking notes has a positive impact on your learning. When you take notes, you activate existing knowledge of the subject and you process the material while taking notes. This means that you have a better chance of understanding what you are being taught, and at the same time it helps you remember what the teaching was about.

When you take notes, it is a good idea to use your own words. This way you can better relate to what you are writing down. It is, however, important that you always write down key concepts. Also, use abbreviations to save time and get more manageable notes. Focus on quality rather than quantity! Therefore, do not write everything down – think about what is important in relation to your subject.

How do I take notes while reading?

Good reading notes means that you do not have to read the same text twice, because at the first reading, you marked the main passages and noted down the main points.

The better your notes are, the better prepared you are for classes and exams. It may be a good idea to write notes in the margin. Briefly write down what a specific section is about, or if you have any questions about the text which you need to look into. You can also choose to highlight particularly important words and phrases or use post-it notes to divide the book into important and less important sections.

Do I need to take notes on the computer or by hand?

There are many different note-taking techniques, but in general they fall into two groups: handwritten notes and digital notes.

One of the obvious advantages of writing notes by hand is that most people find themselves less restricted compared to writing digital notes - not least if you use visual notes in the form of symbols.

You may benefit from handwritten notes if you are easily distracted by social media, games and the like.

Some studies also show that you remember the subject matter much better if you write notes by hand. However, it can be hard to keep track of, edit or search your paper notes. In addition, there are software available in which you can combine handwritten notes with digital notes.