CJ100 Unit #6 Reading comprehension Prof. Ruth Ronan CJ100 Unit #6 Reading comprehension

TOP ACADEMIC PROBLEMS The two greatest problems college students face today are college math classes and reading comprehension.

Describe what you do to increase reading comprehension. Question? Describe what you do to increase reading comprehension.

SIX PACK FOR SUCCESSFUL READING   The material you’re An open mind Pencils reading    A highlighter A tablet or loose-leaf paper A dictionary

INCREASE YOUR CONCENTRATION Reduce outside distractions Reduce internal distractions Fatigue Daydreaming Set a reading goal (amount and time) Take short breaks every 20 minutes Take notes as you read

ACTIVE VS. PASSIVE READERS Active readers Enjoy reading Visualize while reading Approach text with an open mind Passive readers Just want to get reading over with Only read when required to do so

BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY Stop and look up words you don’t know Keep a list of new words Study your vocabulary list Work on crossword or other word puzzles

FIXATION Your eyes stop on an average of 2.5 words per fixation Practice reading in phrases:

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR READING TIME Reduce distractions in environment Read at the best time of day for concentration Read with a healthy snack Read in sections and take breaks Form questions from material Look up unfamiliar words Manage your time to allow enough time for reading

Why is identifying the topic of a paragraph important? Question? Why is identifying the topic of a paragraph important?

IDENTIFYING THE TOPIC (D. Seyler, 2001) The topic is the subject of the paragraph “Who or what is the paragraph about?” General enough to cover all details in the paragraph Specific enough to exclude related topics in other paragraphs

Paragraph Topics Exclude extra information Note in margins the paragraph topic

Question? Why is it beneficial under the SQ3R method to “Survey” and “Question” prior to jumping into your readings?

Using SQ3R Survey Question Read Recite Review

SQ3R Survey: Look over the entire chapter, headings and subheadings. Visual learners will follow the hierarchy of the chapter structure well. Look for intro and summary paragraphs. Don’t read; identify major points in the chapter. Question : What is this chapter about? What will it tell me? What is this section about? What questions can be made up from this information?

SQ3R Read: Actively read at a pace you’re comfortable with, trying to answer your previously formulated questions. Recite/write : Write down or say out loud your interpretation of that section (your own paraphrased summary); you’ll remember this better than the book’s version. Review: by testing yourself on your own key phrases and summaries you’ve developed in the previous steps. If you struggle with a portion, concentrate or re-reading that section.

Question? When you are reading, what information do you feel is important to highlight as you read along, if you highlight at all?

Highlighting (Reviewing) What can you make into a question? Avoid highlighting too much

READING THE CHAPTER Read the entire paragraph before marking anything Identify and highlight the topic or thesis statement if stated Mark key phrases Don’t highlight too much Stop to look up unfamiliar vocabulary Make margin notes

How can outlining a chapter help with comprehension and review? Question? How can outlining a chapter help with comprehension and review?

Outlining Highlights primary topics Provides a visual of relationships between topics

What is your personal definition of “critical reading?” Question? What is your personal definition of “critical reading?”

Critical Reading Considering material with an inquisitive eye Question what you read; research can verify

CHAPTER REFLECTION Approach text with an open mind Free your mind to focus on reading Read with your “six-pack” Mark and look up unknown words Make and review a new vocabulary list Use SQ3R and Bloom’s Taxonomy Get a tutor if needed The more you read, the more skilled you’ll be

Unit #7 Seminar (next week) CJ Reporter Read Chapter 1 Attend Seminar Take a Break Continue working on Interview Project

Any Questions Please Email me, contact me during office hours or leave me a message on the virtual office page. Have a wonderful week!