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GST 111/101 COMMUNICATION IN ENGLISH: LECTURE NOTES ON READING TECHNIQUES
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to our lecture on Reading Techniques presented to you by FreshNote. Let me begin by asking you a simple question. How many of you read your recommended textbooks from cover to cover?
The truth is, most of us don't have the luxury of time to read everything word for word. That's why today, we'll explore various reading techniques that will not only save you precious time but will also improve your comprehension and retention of information.
Before we dive in, remember this: Reading is not just about moving your eyes across a page—it's an active process of engaging with the text. The techniques we'll discuss today aren't shortcuts; they're strategic approaches to make your reading more efficient and effective.
READING DEFINED
Reading is a complex cognitive process of decoding symbols to derive meaning. It's an interactive process between you (the reader) and the text, where you bring your background knowledge, experiences, and expectations to interpret what the author has written.
For university students like yourselves, reading serves multiple purposes:
- To gather information for assignments and exams
- To develop critical thinking skills
- To broaden your knowledge base
- To enhance your vocabulary and language skills
TYPES OF READING TECHNIQUES
1. SKIMMING
Skimming is like flying over a landscape to get a bird's-eye view. You quickly move through the text to get a general impression of what it's about.
How to Skim:
- Read the title, subtitles, and headings
- Look at the first and last paragraphs
- Glance at any illustrations, charts, or diagrams
- Read the summary or conclusion if available
When to Use Skimming:
- When you're deciding whether a book or article is relevant to your needs
- When you need a quick overview of a long text
- During revision, to refresh your memory of previously read material
For example, if I give you a 30-page article on "The Impact of Climate Change on Nigerian Agriculture," you might not have time to read it thoroughly before class. Skimming would help you grasp the main arguments quickly.
Remember, though, skimming has its limits. You shouldn't skim when precise understanding is required, such as when reading mathematical proofs or legal documents.
2. SCANNING
If skimming is like flying over a landscape, scanning is like searching for a specific landmark. You rapidly move your eyes over the text looking for particular information.
*How to Scan:
- Have a clear idea of what you're looking for (dates, names, definitions)
- Use headings and organizational features as guides
- Run your finger or a pen down the page to focus your eyes
- When you find what you're looking for, read that section carefully
*When to Use Scanning:
- When looking up a specific fact or figure
- When searching for key terms in a textbook
- When reviewing your notes for specific information
For instance, if you need to find out when Nigeria gained independence while reading a history textbook, you wouldn't read the entire chapter—you'd scan for dates around "independence."
3. INTENSIVE READING
Now, this is where the real work happens. Intensive reading involves careful and detailed reading of a text for complete understanding and retention.
How to Read Intensively:
- Read slowly and deliberately
- Make notes and highlight key points
- Look up unfamiliar words
- Question the text and consider its implications
- Relate new information to what you already know
When to Use Intensive Reading:
- When studying complex or critical material
- When preparing for detailed examinations
- When analyzing literature or research papers
For example, when reading about the intricacies of cell division in your biology textbook, skimming won't do. You need to read intensively to understand the process step by step.
4. EXTENSIVE READING
Extensive reading involves reading widely for pleasure and general understanding. This is what you do when you read novels, magazines, or blogs without the pressure of academic requirements.
Benefits of Extensive Reading:
- Improves vocabulary naturally
- Enhances general knowledge
- Develops reading fluency
- Builds confidence in language use
I strongly encourage my students to engage in extensive reading. Trust me, reading Nigerian authors like Chimamanda Adichie or Wole Soyinka will improve your English far more effectively than cramming grammar rules.
5. SQ3R METHOD
This is a systematic approach to reading academic material, and I've found it particularly helpful for my students on FreshNote. SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review.
Survey: Quickly examine the structure of the text (title, headings, summaries).
Question: Turn headings into questions to create purpose for your reading.
Read: Read actively to answer the questions you formulated.
Recite: After reading a section, recite the main points in your own words.
Review: After completing the text, review what you've learned to enhance retention.
For example, if you're reading a chapter on "Political Systems in West Africa":
- Survey: Look at headings like "Democracy in Nigeria," "Military Rule," etc.
- Question: Ask "What are the characteristics of democracy in Nigeria?"
- Read: Read to find the answer to your question.
- Recite: Explain Nigeria's democratic features in your own words.
- Review: Summarize all political systems discussed in the chapter.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE READING
1. *Create the Right Environment
Find a quiet, well-lit place without distractions. I know NEPA doesn't help with this, but try to maximize natural light when possible.
2. Be Aware of Your Purpose
Ask yourself: Why am I reading this? What information do I need? This will determine which reading technique to use.
3. Use Your Background Knowledge
Connect new information to what you already know. For example, if you're reading about inflation, think about how prices have changed in your local market.
4. Manage Difficult Texts
Don't be discouraged by difficult material. Break it down into smaller sections, and use a dictionary for unfamiliar terms.
5. Take Strategic Notes
Develop a note-taking system that works for you—mind maps, summaries, or annotations.
6. Review Regularly
Don't read something once and forget about it. Regular review is crucial for long-term retention.
BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE READING
Let's be honest about the challenges you might face:
1. Limited Vocabulary
Solution: Keep a vocabulary notebook and actively learn new words.
2. Poor Concentration
Solution: Take short breaks every 45-50 minutes and practice mindfulness.
3. Slow Reading Speed
Solution: Practice regularly and avoid subvocalization (pronouncing words in your mind).
4. Environmental Distractions
Solution: Use earplugs or find quieter reading spaces like the university library.
5. Digital Distractions
Solution: Put your phone on airplane mode while studying. Trust me, those WhatsApp messages can wait!
CONCLUSION
Reading is a skill that improves with practice. By applying these techniques strategically, you'll become a more efficient and effective reader—a crucial skill for success in your academic journey and beyond.
Remember, the goal isn't always to read everything, but to read the right things in the right way. As I always tell my students, "Don't just read harder, read smarter."
ASSIGNMENT
1. Choose an article from a Nigerian newspaper and practice the SQ3R method. Write a one-page summary of what you learned.
2. Keep a reading log for one week. Record what you read, which technique you used, and how effective it was.
3. Find a difficult passage from one of your textbooks and apply intensive reading techniques. Note down unfamiliar words and look them up.
RECOMMENDED READING
1. Onukaogu, C.E. & Arua, A.E. (2000). *Effective Reading in Nigerian Universities*. Ibadan: University Press.
2. Adkins, A. (2018). *Reading Strategies for Academic Success*. Lagos: University Press Limited.
3. Oyedeji, L. (2016). *Mastering Reading Skills for Tertiary Education*. Ibadan: Spectrum Books.
See you next week when we'll discuss "Note-taking Skills." Don't forget to submit your assignments through the department's portal before our next class.
Alright then, enjoy the rest of your day!