How to Know When You Are Reading Effectively?
How to Know When You’re Effectively Reading
By Joanna Zuno, April 30th, 2021
Have your eyes been aimlessly wandering through words and pages as you read? Do you feel lost after reading a paragraph, or even a few sentences? This is a scientific phenomenon known as mindless reading, where there is cognitive dissonance when in the middle of viewing words and material. It’s well known amongst reading comprehension teachers and here are a few techniques they’ve shared that will help you know that you’re reading effectively.
#1 Don’t Only Find Words You Don’t Know-Associate Them Too
It’s very true that you can develop a syntax when underlining words, but also get to know them. Develop a word bank, preferably for each chapter, or the entire book. Don’t just define them either, but learn which words ‘connect,’ or you can associate with your main subject or material. This especially helps when you’re self-developing to improve yourself in the workplace or an institution.
#2 Always Ask Questions, Even Before A Chapter Ends
When reading you always want to ask questions. Those questions can be anything as long as it means a benefit to helping you learn and memorize. You can ask yourself questions on the author’s perspective, the development of the subject, or even faults you find in the material, like how it can be more improved or gaps that need to be filled. Asking questions always make a reader an effective reader.
#3 Read Out Loud and Recite
For some, reading literature isn’t simply enough to absorb the information. Sometimes it’s important to look and recite something that catches your eye: a certain word, a phrase, or a quote. If you do this you not only can properly recite, but it will be more ingrained in your memory. If you also need help, consult an audio aid tool that will help you better at reciting.
#4 Create a Visual Storyboard
Sometimes we need audio aid tools when we read, or we need visual aid tools. When reading your subject draw a simple outline conveying ideas, objectives, or subjects. Don’t like simple outlines on loose paper? You can journal it, create it on PowerPoint, or design your own visuals. Doing cognitive associations like these also helps you become an effective reader.
#5 Reread if You Must
Did you find yourself skimming that last chapter? Did you hurriedly along to finish the end but now you have gaps in your memory? Then by all means, if you can make the time, take the time to reread! Rereading not only helps you retain the information you just gained but viewing it a second time can actually be more insightful.
#6 Summarize at Every End
Whether you finished the end of chapter one or all twenty chapters to the end of a book, it’s important to have a moment of clarity, which is why it’s important to summarize every chapter then the end of the entire book. Taking small pauses will help you gain further insight into the subject of the material than the end, and it will make you feel more appreciative about it as well as yourself.
#7 Talk About it With Someone
So you’ve finished the book, gained wonderful insight, and feel enlightened...now what? How about talking about your newfound information with someone? Whether you’re in a book club, a think tank, or have someone listening with an open ear, compose yourself and everything you’ve learned and tell from your perspective what you’ve gained from the reading. Take it in stride! You’re an effective reader!