Active Reading Active reading involves strategies:  Pre-reading  Notating  Identifying Patterns  Summarizing  Reading with a Critical Eye

Pre-Reading Know what you will find Tips:  Read introductory information  Read questions at end  Skim  Read conclusion first  Get to know author  Find out text’s original purpose and context

Notation and Pattern Identification Notation tools: pencil, dictionary –Underline: »Key points »Thesis statement »Key summary –Write comments, summary, questions (in margins) Identify patterns: predict arguments, follow logic »Chronological order »Spatial order »Classification »Claim/Support »Problem/Solution »Statement/Response »Cause/Effect or Effect/Cause »Comparison/Contrast

Summarizing Solidifying Understanding Tips:  Identify thesis/main point(s)  Identify support for main point(s)  Include occasional short quotes  Use your own words  Use a structure that makes sense to you

Mind Mapping Create visual representations of the ideas presented in the text Communication is essential to nursing Prescriptive Descriptive Evaluative

Reading with a Critical Eye Critical Reading (and thinking):  Understand  Analyze  Evaluate Tips: –Acknowledge, analyze, deconstruct your own perspective and the author’s perspective –Determine how the argument works (main and supporting points, evidence, mechanics) –Evaluate support for a claim - is it appropriate? Is it strong enough?

Find Your Own Process The process you establish is up to you. SQ3R works very well for textbooks but it may not be as good for journal articles. The key is to find your own ways of becoming an active reader. In general, the process should involve the following:  Finding the right place to read – free from distraction  Previewing the reading for main ideas and concepts  Formulating questions about the reading  Taking notes as you read  Engaging with your notes out loud  Reviewing your notes regularly