A grownup student must manage to read a report or perhaps a chapter and understand the material independently, outside of the classroom. One of the best approaches to make sure that this happens effectively is to take notes while reading, writing down the ideas and thoughts inspired by what's being read.
Most students are taught to highlight while reading. This is somewhat useful, but simply highlighting does little to boost the comprehension of what's being read. Highlighting is a highly effective method of finding a passage later, as is underlining and even making comments in the margin. However, none of these are as effective as taking notes.
The Intent behind Taking Notes While Reading
The reason why the student is reading something is, usually, to get an comprehension of something that has been previously not understood, or at least to boost the existing comprehension of the material. Often, the reading assigned to a grown-up student is more condense and filled with information than reading done in grade school. Thus, the reading may be more difficult.
The objective of taking notes while reading is two-fold. On the main one hand, the student is attempting to understand what has been said, and to add that understanding in a more substantial picture of the course or goal of the reading. This purpose ensures that the student must understand not only this content but additionally the structure of what's being read. By taking notes while reading, this structure can often become clearer, quicker understood. On the other hand, the student does not need to see the material more than is essential; in the end, the student is working within a period frame that can sometimes put constraints on the total amount of time spent in the reading. Having to see the material more times than is essential can be a waste of time. This does not imply that the student will browse the material just once; in many cases, multiple readings are needed. But readings shouldn't be wasted. By taking notes, the material may be understood faster and more effectively.
How exactly to Take Reading Notes
Unlike the classroom, the student has the chance to see the material more than once. This fact ensures that the strategy of taking notes may be more deliberate; the student can take some time needed to produce some structured notes, as opposed to employing a method of note-taking that minimizes time. Because of this, probably the best method of taking notes while reading is by using an outline. By creating an outline, the structure of the material may be quicker understood.MyReadingManga
The outline should really be constructed as a sequence of layers, as opposed to hoping to get the entire outline done with one pass. The first layer should really be on the basis of the structure of the reading; if section headers are offered, these could give a easily available initial structure. Within each section, the very first thing to find out is the goal of the section. Is this section putting forth a quarrel? Could it be explaining an idea? Providing a good example? Once the purpose is determined, this will be written under the section heading.
After the section's purpose is determined, the reader then needs to put in the details. I have found that achieving this twice and comparing the outcomes creates the very best notes. Browse the section through, creating an outline on the basis of the reading. After the section is done, the student normally has a much better comprehension of what that section of reading is doing. Then reading the section another time, developing a fresh outline provides a fuller understanding. Whether this second reading is done immediately after the first is entirely up to the student. With particularly difficult sections, taking a break involving the readings provides a fuller perspective on the reading, developing a better outline.
Once the outline is done, it must be reviewed for completeness. Is anything in the outline unclear, confusing? In that case, then the student has two options. Either he is able to reread the material, buying a clearer understanding, or perhaps a question may be created for another class, looking a clearer understanding from the instructor.
Reading Technical Material
This technique works best in material where claims are made and supported, such as for instance in economics, design principles, or surveys. Technical writing, such as for instance mathematics and electronics, require a slightly different approach. The key sections for technical material in many cases are not the sections given by the reading material nevertheless the formulas being presented. Once the formulas are presented, then the outline should provide first a conclusion of what's in the formula then one or more example; more examples are useful if the material isn't clearly understood the first time.
Practice makes Perfect
If there is any academic activity which improves with practice, it's reading and taking notes. Initially, the student will see the endeavor difficult and fraught with uncertainty. Working together with others, comparing notes and examples, may be of immense help when learning how to take notes on reading material. While the student practices, however, she'll notice a remarkable improvement. As in a great many other efforts, persistence in reading and taking notes pays off.
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