First, there's a blog entry (about 250 words) which will have you respond to a hopefully thought-provoking question.
Second, there's a reading. There’s no blog entry associated with this. Just read.
Third, there's a written response to the reading. Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by the SATURDAY (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls. This entry should be a long paragraph.
Monday, May 27, 2013
WEEK NINE BLOG ENTRY
What is something that you do when you encounter a difficult reading? What reading or thinking strategies help you through it? Give examples if you can recall any.
When I encounter a difficult reading what I usually do is slow down. I am a very fast reader and often at times find that I read over the page way to fast for my brain to comprehend what it is that I am reading. When this happens what I usually do is I stop in my reading and start over again. I read every word carefully and when I say every word I mean every word. I also break down the reading by paragraphs or sections. This usually helps me.
I too am guilty of reading things in a manner that causes me to lose details. I tend to speed through things, picking out main points or words. Clearly when faced with a "difficult" selection, however, this doesn't work, and slowing down is a great idea. Read. Stop. Digest. etc. I also like your idea of breaking things down by section/paragraph. Good tips! Thanks!
When encountering a difficult reading I usually have to stop and read it multiple times. While reading it over I take my time and read each sentence slowly, tearing it apart to determine the area I'm having a problem with. Most of the time it usually comes down to words that I'm not familiar with. In this case I always have my dictionary app available either on my phone or on my computer. After looking up the word and only after I fully understand its meaning, do I try and piece it back together into the sentence. Also, when I know I'll be reading something difficult i like to keep a pencil close by and jot down the words I have a hard time with. Many of my older books have multiple highlights and pen marks from where I was having a difficult time. Or when I just enjoyed a certain word and wanted to make note of it. Even after putting the word back into the sentence I usually will have to read the sentence over again a few more times. If that doesn't work and I still don't understand a reading I will usually walk away and come back to it later. Sometimes tearing apart a piece of literature doesn't always work and you need to step back and look at it with fresh eyes. If all else fails my next step would be to take it to someone else and see if they can explain it me. It also helps to dissect the problem out loud and you usually end up answering your own question.
Your picking out words and making note of them reminds me of something i used to do. I went through a phase that when i'd learn a new word I'd try to use it before the day was over. I knew i needed a larger vocabulary and it was my mind game of increasing it. Kind of like what you do with taking notes of them.
I tend to do something similar to that too and i agree with Kyle. I tend to try to expand my vocabulary and use new words in my daily communication but only with my sister my husband gets frustrated. ;-)
I like your strategy. It is very similar to mine. I think asking for someone else's help when you need is great because otherwise you are going to be stuck in the same place you are.
What I usually do first is reread the passage out loud. If that doesn't work then I try reading before and after the passage to get a better understanding understanding what's going on and why it was said and to who. I then try to read it to someone or try to explain it to someone because then I feel like I have to know what I'm talking about because I don't want to lie. So if all others don't work, I make myself figure it out by following my morals. Really weirs but that's what makes me strive to find the answer.
1. I read the text like I normally would 2. I reread and slow down to get a better understanding of what is being said 3. Find phrases or words that I am not familiar with and I look them up 4. I write down sentences that catch my attention and that I think are the most important in the passage 5. Try outlining and separating into different sections so that I feel there is clarity (make heading for each section) 6. Write a summary of what I think is being said 7. Read again
When I encounter a difficult reading, ( like textbooks and assigned readings) I really do not have a strategy that helps me through it right now. Well I guess i do, I sit on the couch or at my desk and just start to read. If I am not understanding anything, I put the book or article down for a couple hours and do some other assignment go on Netflix, or run some errands. After those couple of hours, I pick the book up again and see if I am able to understand what I am reading. I noticed that if I am having a difficult time with my reading, I cannot get pass the first page. I would be reading the first sentence over and over again. Or my mind will drift somewhere else and I would not even remember anything that I read. Once I do get pass that page, there's no stopping me. I have realized that I do have a very difficult time reading. That has always been my problem but I can never find a strategy that could really help me overcome it. It is a working process and I hope that one day I do find one that will really help me.
I am not a guy who likes reading. If i do read I prefer to read manuals or some sort of instructions rather than a novel or text book. So when it come to reading and writing I have large barriers to overcome. The best strategy I've found so far is to tell my wife what reading I have to do. By making my difficult reading public it makes me committed to do it. Often times i'm so disinterested about the reading that I actually read and think of other things at the same time. When I do that I have to stop and walk away for a few minuets (no more than that or i wont come back to it). When i get back to the reading I usually have the frame of mind that I'm going to do the reading so that i understand it and can get back to my other obligations. I also tell my wife about the reading and she will often ask questions. If i don't have the answer to the question I'll go find it quickly or I'll reread the assignment so I fully get what was intended for the reader.
I can definitely relate to what you said about reading and thinking about something else. That usually happens when I'm either too tired to read or really disinterested in the reading. I also like your strategy of telling someone else. I will do that with assignments since it does hold you accountable.
When I encounter really dense reading I do the following:
1. Read each paragraph or sentence if needed one by one and take notes. 2. Pause to absorb the material. 3. Get up and move around if I feel stuck and return to the reading material again. 4. Read again for full comprehension.
I'm a pretty fast reader, so when I read something difficult and don't understand it, I will usually just slow down and read it again. Simple as that is, it helps. If I'm still confused as to what the auther is trying to say, then I read it outloud. It's amazing the difference this makes. One example of difficult reading is one of my psychology books that I have to read this quarter. I don't handle the writing style very well, and that makes understanding very hard. I usually read this book outloud to myself, and sometimes even summarize what the author is trying to say on paper, but I do this in my own words. When I do this a little at a time, I can go back after I'm done reading and read the notes I've taken, and this helps me to really understand the reading.
When I encounter something difficult when I read I usually read it first in my head and, if I did not understand it I read it again out loud. Even if I still don’t understand some of the words I tend to use a dictionary and will research for examples. I think that it is a lot easier for me to read out loud when I don’t seem to understand or grasp on to the concept. I also tend to get up and walk around just in case I feel tired and, could be a reason why I am not understanding anything I read. Also, eating something cold and fresh like fruits help me wake up a bit and stimulate my brain from over using it. Even if I am still feeling like I still do not understand then I call my sister or friend to help me understand or explain. Also, taking notes helps me to go back and put everything I read makes sense.
I usually snack during reading sessions as well. I am one of those people who drinks coffee and tea while reading because I find it relaxing and I am a coffee and tea addict.
Truth be told, I do not consider myself to be a very strong reader. Having said that, until recently, when I found myself struggling with a difficult text I would just put it down and stop reading. However this methodology doesn't get you very far in this class. As a result, I have developed a strategy in which I first read the text as I normally would and then if I don't understand it I read aloud to myself with a different attitude and theme each time. After each time however I will then distinguish if that was the tone the author was going for and once I nail it I read it once more to myself quietly.
Just like what some of the other classmates stated, I too am a fast reader. When I encounter something difficult to read, I typically will read it again; if need be I will even read it a third time to reinforce the ideas in my head. Sometimes, when I get lost in the vocabulary or terminology of the excerpt I seek external resources for help. For example, I use dictionaries and thesauruses to break down terms that I don't fully understand. And finally, I have a second reader skim the excerpt and then I will attempt to explain the main ideas to them to see if my ideas are aligned with what I am reading. These techniques have aided me in comprehending many readings that I initially could not grasp on my own.
Well, I think i'm a pretty good reader, but the one book that comes to mind that needed some extra work was Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment." The hardest thing to get over were the names and trying to remember which character were which. The book was originally written in Russian, I believe and when they translated the book, they kept the Russian names. What I did to help myself was quiz myself on the names and re-reading certain parts helped me get through. I was glad I didn't give up, because the book is now one of my favorite books of all time.
When I encounter a reading I consider to be difficult, I have found that the best technique for me is to read the selection several times. I feel when I do this, it seems to "flow" more easily, the cadence is apparent, and I often times pick up on things I missed before. I use this technique most often when I am reading something I am unfamiliar with like foreign topics, technical writings, etc.
I agree with you, re reading is an easy way to take a second look at a difficult reading. I often I find the second time I read something I find different things I did not see the first time.
When I struggle with a passage I also like to read the passage a few times after the first time but at a slower paste. On the other hand I like to have a dictionary to look up for words I don’t understand. Sometimes I read out loud. However, I usually like to read it to myself a few times in my head because when I read aloud I tend to just think of the way I sound instead of paying attention to what I’m reading. Every time I try different techniques to see what works best for me. So far I haven’t found a technique that has been helpful. I get distracted very easy either by eating or doing everything else but focusing on the reading. I enjoy reading but there is times when the text has a complicated context and it tends to get boring. A boring text is what makes me loose interest
I agree with you that "a boring text is what makes me lose interest." When it is boring it takes me twice as long to get through the reading because I tend to lose interest very fast.
When I encounter a difficult reading I tend to break it down. I wouln't say I'm a fast reader, but as I'm reading I pause frequently to highlight important aspects of what I just read. I highlight words I'm not familiar with and look it up using a dictionary and or a thesaurus. This method works well best for me, even when it comes to reading the assigned textbooks for my classes. However, when I am on a time crunch I just read the textbook over to myself a few times. This method also works well, but I do prefer highlighting and jotting down notes while I am reading. This allows me to have a full understand what I am reading.
I would say that I am a pretty good reader; however I am slow at it. I have always wished that I could read fast but I find that when I do I tend to miss important points and I end up not remembering what I read. An important thing for me when I am reading is that I have to be somewhere that is super quiet otherwise I will not be able to concentrate at all because I lose focus very easily. When I encounter a difficult reading, I usually reread the reading at least 3 or 4 times. If I was not able to understand it by rereading it then I would break down the sentences that were making it hard me to understand. When I do this I usually find that the problem is words that I have never heard of or know the meaning of. I will then look up the definition of all the words that I need to find the meaning of and then apply them to the sentences. This strategy is, in most cases, a big hit for me however there has been some instances when it did not help. I would then go and ask someone for help because everybody understands things differently so someone might understand what I am not. I am taking a philosophy and religion course this quarter and we have articles that we need to read and they are definitely difficult for me to understand. Some of the readings are “Yes, Faith Is a Logical Bet” by Blaise Pascal, “The Death of God” by Friedrich Nietzsche, and “The Teleological Argument” by William Paley to name a few. This course by far has had some of the most difficult readings I have ever encountered. I find myself using my reading strategies every time I read a new article and I can say they really do help me most of the time. The good thing about that class though is that my professor does go into detail about the readings so that we do understand what the authors are trying to put forth.
When I encounter a difficult reading I usually try to reread the sections again and write on the margins of the book. I usually write down words that are new to me, that im having difficulties understanding or either write down important aspects of that particular phrase if I know it will help me understand other sections of the readings. I also tend to highlight words and phrases as well. I usually do not always understand a passage from a reading right away. It takes a lot of rereading, and a quiet room in order to understand the main subjects of what i am trying to read. Taking notes, highlighting and rereading in a quiet room is how what helps me comprehend difficult readings.
Reading strategies when it comes to a difficult reading for me are first to slow down. Slowing down my reading allows me to get a better grasp of what it is I am reading. Re-reading is also a technique I like to use when it comes to a difficult reading, it helps to ensure I am not missing information. Another technique I use is highlighting, or underlining the main points to the reading. Finally writing down what is happening. Writing things down really helps me pull a reading apart so I fully understand it.
You and I have similiar techniques. I also read multiple times, but I also write down thoughts about the reading. Kind of like my interpretation of the reading. I rarely highlight anything because honestly, I forget why I highlighted it in first place. I know, it's called short attention span; hence the reason for writing my thoughts. That way I know exactly why I did what everything.
It is not very often that I come across a reading that is hard to read. I have noticed a few of my course textbooks tend to be dense with information. The best way for me to deal the reading, I read it through and write down thoughts as I read it. Then I put it down for a bit. Upon return I read it and my thoughts. At times, I write new thoughts but usually I am able to understand it the second time around. Very rarely have I had to read it a third time but if necessary I will read it. Another technique that helps me understand a reading that is diffcult, is I like to discuss what I read with my husband. A lot of the times he will understand something differently than me. He acts as my translator.
Well I would have never thought of doing that, it seems very helpful to do that, almost like re-writing notes, so that it sticks in your head. I have to try this sometime.
When I read a difficult text, I typically keep a dictionary nearby. I like to look up challenging words as I come across them, and then I replace the word in the sentence with the definition in order to better understand the point that the author is trying to make. Also, rather than stopping every time I come across something that is intellectually challenging, I will take notes of the page number and what I'm struggling with and will come back to it after reading the complete passage. Sometimes, I will be able to figure out the concept simply by finishing the author's total thought. Another thing that I find helpful is to read the troubling sentence aloud. By simply hearing the way that it's supposed to sound, it will oftentimes make the meaning "click" in my brain.
When I encounter a difficult reading, I usually try to slow down. I’ll go back and re-read the sentence, to try and understand it better. A lot of times, I find myself reading really fast just to get it done, so I don’t even try to read for comprehension. When I notice that I am doing that I will go back and re-read it over and over until I can understand what I’m reading. Another thing I do is look up difficult words. This is also really helpful to me when I have difficulty understanding.
If I find a difficult read I tend to read out loud. While saying the words it helps me comprehend what is written. I also find that re-reading what I don't understand the first time helps me understand it the second time around. I read on a regular basis, whether it's for fun or for school so I don't really encounter to many things that I find as a difficult read. The most difficult is always some sort of science textbook because you really have to understand every sentence that your are reading. When I come across this, for example, I tend to read slower and out loud because it's easier to comprehend everything. I always have a dictionary as well just in case i stumble across a word I'm unfamiliar with.
I love to read; however, that doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with reading. Some of the strategies’ I use when struggling with reading a passage is reread it and look up words I do not understand the meaning to. Luckily now a days we have the internet and Google to help with difficult words that are a struggle to understand. These tools we have make it very simple to understand all material we find in reading material. Another tool often used is rereading the passage to better understand what the auther was tryinhg to say with that phrase. Often we read a passage and drift off into different thoughts. Reading the passage a second time will help to keep focused on what is going on in the book. Reading can be very difficult at times but with the tools at our disposal it can be made very easy and enjoyable. One of the last tools I use is simply asking someone, with the internet and book culbs there are unlimited fountins of information for nearly every book that is published. Simply discussing the book with a friend can really help to understand what is going on in the passage, discussing with others opens a window and other views that you would have never thought of. Endless tools can be used to help understand a difficult read and any one of these options can help.
When I encounter a difficult reading what I usually do is slow down. I am a very fast reader and often at times find that I read over the page way to fast for my brain to comprehend what it is that I am reading. When this happens what I usually do is I stop in my reading and start over again. I read every word carefully and when I say every word I mean every word. I also break down the reading by paragraphs or sections. This usually helps me.
ReplyDeleteThat's good that you figured out a way that helps you comprehend what you are reading.
DeleteI too am guilty of reading things in a manner that causes me to lose details. I tend to speed through things, picking out main points or words. Clearly when faced with a "difficult" selection, however, this doesn't work, and slowing down is a great idea. Read. Stop. Digest. etc. I also like your idea of breaking things down by section/paragraph. Good tips! Thanks!
DeleteGood way to do it!
ReplyDeleteWhen encountering a difficult reading I usually have to stop and read it multiple times. While reading it over I take my time and read each sentence slowly, tearing it apart to determine the area I'm having a problem with. Most of the time it usually comes down to words that I'm not familiar with. In this case I always have my dictionary app available either on my phone or on my computer. After looking up the word and only after I fully understand its meaning, do I try and piece it back together into the sentence. Also, when I know I'll be reading something difficult i like to keep a pencil close by and jot down the words I have a hard time with. Many of my older books have multiple highlights and pen marks from where I was having a difficult time. Or when I just enjoyed a certain word and wanted to make note of it. Even after putting the word back into the sentence I usually will have to read the sentence over again a few more times. If that doesn't work and I still don't understand a reading I will usually walk away and come back to it later. Sometimes tearing apart a piece of literature doesn't always work and you need to step back and look at it with fresh eyes. If all else fails my next step would be to take it to someone else and see if they can explain it me. It also helps to dissect the problem out loud and you usually end up answering your own question.
ReplyDeleteYour picking out words and making note of them reminds me of something i used to do. I went through a phase that when i'd learn a new word I'd try to use it before the day was over. I knew i needed a larger vocabulary and it was my mind game of increasing it. Kind of like what you do with taking notes of them.
DeleteI tend to do something similar to that too and i agree with Kyle. I tend to try to expand my vocabulary and use new words in my daily communication but only with my sister my husband gets frustrated.
Delete;-)
I like your strategy. It is very similar to mine. I think asking for someone else's help when you need is great because otherwise you are going to be stuck in the same place you are.
DeleteIm going to add the writing it down part you mentioned. Thanks
ReplyDeleteWhat I usually do first is reread the passage out loud. If that doesn't work then I try reading before and after the passage to get a better understanding understanding what's going on and why it was said and to who. I then try to read it to someone or try to explain it to someone because then I feel like I have to know what I'm talking about because I don't want to lie. So if all others don't work, I make myself figure it out by following my morals. Really weirs but that's what makes me strive to find the answer.
ReplyDeleteReading it out loud is what usually helps me too, but reading it to someone else to work it out is a really great idea!
DeleteThat is a great idea reading it to someone else is helpful getting feedback.
DeleteGreat idea of reading before and after! The context can help tremendously!
Delete1. I read the text like I normally would
ReplyDelete2. I reread and slow down to get a better understanding of what is being said
3. Find phrases or words that I am not familiar with and I look them up
4. I write down sentences that catch my attention and that I think are the most important in the passage
5. Try outlining and separating into different sections so that I feel there is clarity (make heading for each section)
6. Write a summary of what I think is being said
7. Read again
Good technique. Very organized. I will try that
DeleteI really like your reading style, I'm going to try to incorporate a few of those things into my reading habits. Thanks.
DeleteThis is a great way to get through difficult reading. I have a very similar routine and it works very well!
DeleteWhen I encounter a difficult reading, ( like textbooks and assigned readings) I really do not have a strategy that helps me through it right now. Well I guess i do, I sit on the couch or at my desk and just start to read. If I am not understanding anything, I put the book or article down for a couple hours and do some other assignment go on Netflix, or run some errands. After those couple of hours, I pick the book up again and see if I am able to understand what I am reading. I noticed that if I am having a difficult time with my reading, I cannot get pass the first page. I would be reading the first sentence over and over again. Or my mind will drift somewhere else and I would not even remember anything that I read. Once I do get pass that page, there's no stopping me. I have realized that I do have a very difficult time reading. That has always been my problem but I can never find a strategy that could really help me overcome it. It is a working process and I hope that one day I do find one that will really help me.
ReplyDeleteI am not a guy who likes reading. If i do read I prefer to read manuals or some sort of instructions rather than a novel or text book. So when it come to reading and writing I have large barriers to overcome. The best strategy I've found so far is to tell my wife what reading I have to do. By making my difficult reading public it makes me committed to do it. Often times i'm so disinterested about the reading that I actually read and think of other things at the same time. When I do that I have to stop and walk away for a few minuets (no more than that or i wont come back to it). When i get back to the reading I usually have the frame of mind that I'm going to do the reading so that i understand it and can get back to my other obligations. I also tell my wife about the reading and she will often ask questions. If i don't have the answer to the question I'll go find it quickly or I'll reread the assignment so I fully get what was intended for the reader.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate to what you said about reading and thinking about something else. That usually happens when I'm either too tired to read or really disinterested in the reading. I also like your strategy of telling someone else. I will do that with assignments since it does hold you accountable.
Deletereading in community...great idea, to make public your thoughts and your struggles. This is what college used to be all about.
DeleteWhen I encounter really dense reading I do the following:
ReplyDelete1. Read each paragraph or sentence if needed one by one and take notes.
2. Pause to absorb the material.
3. Get up and move around if I feel stuck and return to the reading material again.
4. Read again for full comprehension.
Taking notes is a great idea I think I want to try to do that myself.
DeleteI'm a pretty fast reader, so when I read something difficult and don't understand it, I will usually just slow down and read it again. Simple as that is, it helps. If I'm still confused as to what the auther is trying to say, then I read it outloud. It's amazing the difference this makes. One example of difficult reading is one of my psychology books that I have to read this quarter. I don't handle the writing style very well, and that makes understanding very hard. I usually read this book outloud to myself, and sometimes even summarize what the author is trying to say on paper, but I do this in my own words. When I do this a little at a time, I can go back after I'm done reading and read the notes I've taken, and this helps me to really understand the reading.
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing! Happy reading!
DeleteWhen I encounter something difficult when I read I usually read it first in my head and, if I did not understand it I read it again out loud. Even if I still don’t understand some of the words I tend to use a dictionary and will research for examples. I think that it is a lot easier for me to read out loud when I don’t seem to understand or grasp on to the concept. I also tend to get up and walk around just in case I feel tired and, could be a reason why I am not understanding anything I read. Also, eating something cold and fresh like fruits help me wake up a bit and stimulate my brain from over using it. Even if I am still feeling like I still do not understand then I call my sister or friend to help me understand or explain. Also, taking notes helps me to go back and put everything I read makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI usually snack during reading sessions as well.
DeleteI am one of those people who drinks coffee and tea while reading because I find it relaxing and I am a coffee and tea addict.
Truth be told, I do not consider myself to be a very strong reader. Having said that, until recently, when I found myself struggling with a difficult text I would just put it down and stop reading. However this methodology doesn't get you very far in this class. As a result, I have developed a strategy in which I first read the text as I normally would and then if I don't understand it I read aloud to myself with a different attitude and theme each time. After each time however I will then distinguish if that was the tone the author was going for and once I nail it I read it once more to myself quietly.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHave you ever caught yourself reading in a different accent?
DeleteJust like what some of the other classmates stated, I too am a fast reader. When I encounter something difficult to read, I typically will read it again; if need be I will even read it a third time to reinforce the ideas in my head. Sometimes, when I get lost in the vocabulary or terminology of the excerpt I seek external resources for help. For example, I use dictionaries and thesauruses to break down terms that I don't fully understand. And finally, I have a second reader skim the excerpt and then I will attempt to explain the main ideas to them to see if my ideas are aligned with what I am reading. These techniques have aided me in comprehending many readings that I initially could not grasp on my own.
ReplyDeleteI believe we all try to read fast to either know what's going to happen next in the passage or to finish the book.
DeleteWell, I think i'm a pretty good reader, but the one book that comes to mind that needed some extra work was Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment." The hardest thing to get over were the names and trying to remember which character were which. The book was originally written in Russian, I believe and when they translated the book, they kept the Russian names. What I did to help myself was quiz myself on the names and re-reading certain parts helped me get through. I was glad I didn't give up, because the book is now one of my favorite books of all time.
ReplyDeleteWhen I encounter a reading I consider to be difficult, I have found that the best technique for me is to read the selection several times. I feel when I do this, it seems to "flow" more easily, the cadence is apparent, and I often times pick up on things I missed before. I use this technique most often when I am reading something I am unfamiliar with like foreign topics, technical writings, etc.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, re reading is an easy way to take a second look at a difficult reading. I often I find the second time I read something I find different things I did not see the first time.
DeleteWhen I struggle with a passage I also like to read the passage a few times after the first time but at a slower paste. On the other hand I like to have a dictionary to look up for words I don’t understand. Sometimes I read out loud. However, I usually like to read it to myself a few times in my head because when I read aloud I tend to just think of the way I sound instead of paying attention to what I’m reading. Every time I try different techniques to see what works best for me. So far I haven’t found a technique that has been helpful. I get distracted very easy either by eating or doing everything else but focusing on the reading. I enjoy reading but there is times when the text has a complicated context and it tends to get boring. A boring text is what makes me loose interest
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that "a boring text is what makes me lose interest." When it is boring it takes me twice as long to get through the reading because I tend to lose interest very fast.
DeleteI typically like to keep a dictionary nearby as well.
DeleteWhats a dictionary? Is it kinda like Google but made of paper? :) Couldn't resist adding little humor in here.
DeleteWhen I encounter a difficult reading I tend to break it down. I wouln't say I'm a fast reader, but as I'm reading I pause frequently to highlight important aspects of what I just read. I highlight words I'm not familiar with and look it up using a dictionary and or a thesaurus. This method works well best for me, even when it comes to reading the assigned textbooks for my classes. However, when I am on a time crunch I just read the textbook over to myself a few times. This method also works well, but I do prefer highlighting and jotting down notes while I am reading. This allows me to have a full understand what I am reading.
ReplyDeleteI would say that I am a pretty good reader; however I am slow at it. I have always wished that I could read fast but I find that when I do I tend to miss important points and I end up not remembering what I read. An important thing for me when I am reading is that I have to be somewhere that is super quiet otherwise I will not be able to concentrate at all because I lose focus very easily. When I encounter a difficult reading, I usually reread the reading at least 3 or 4 times. If I was not able to understand it by rereading it then I would break down the sentences that were making it hard me to understand. When I do this I usually find that the problem is words that I have never heard of or know the meaning of. I will then look up the definition of all the words that I need to find the meaning of and then apply them to the sentences. This strategy is, in most cases, a big hit for me however there has been some instances when it did not help. I would then go and ask someone for help because everybody understands things differently so someone might understand what I am not. I am taking a philosophy and religion course this quarter and we have articles that we need to read and they are definitely difficult for me to understand. Some of the readings are “Yes, Faith Is a Logical Bet” by Blaise Pascal, “The Death of God” by Friedrich Nietzsche, and “The Teleological Argument” by William Paley to name a few. This course by far has had some of the most difficult readings I have ever encountered. I find myself using my reading strategies every time I read a new article and I can say they really do help me most of the time. The good thing about that class though is that my professor does go into detail about the readings so that we do understand what the authors are trying to put forth.
ReplyDeleteWhen I encounter a difficult reading I usually try to reread the sections again and write on the margins of the book. I usually write down words that are new to me, that im having difficulties understanding or either write down important aspects of that particular phrase if I know it will help me understand other sections of the readings. I also tend to highlight words and phrases as well. I usually do not always understand a passage from a reading right away. It takes a lot of rereading, and a quiet room in order to understand the main subjects of what i am trying to read. Taking notes, highlighting and rereading in a quiet room is how what helps me comprehend difficult readings.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of making notes in the margins. I'm going to try that sometime :)
DeleteReading strategies when it comes to a difficult reading for me are first to slow down. Slowing down my reading allows me to get a better grasp of what it is I am reading. Re-reading is also a technique I like to use when it comes to a difficult reading, it helps to ensure I am not missing information. Another technique I use is highlighting, or underlining the main points to the reading. Finally writing down what is happening. Writing things down really helps me pull a reading apart so I fully understand it.
ReplyDeleteYou and I have similiar techniques. I also read multiple times, but I also write down thoughts about the reading. Kind of like my interpretation of the reading. I rarely highlight anything because honestly, I forget why I highlighted it in first place. I know, it's called short attention span; hence the reason for writing my thoughts. That way I know exactly why I did what everything.
DeleteSlowing down is a simple yet very helpful tip. Sometimes I rush through the reading and don't take the time to absorb it fully.
DeleteIt is not very often that I come across a reading that is hard to read. I have noticed a few of my course textbooks tend to be dense with information. The best way for me to deal the reading, I read it through and write down thoughts as I read it. Then I put it down for a bit. Upon return I read it and my thoughts. At times, I write new thoughts but usually I am able to understand it the second time around. Very rarely have I had to read it a third time but if necessary I will read it.
ReplyDeleteAnother technique that helps me understand a reading that is diffcult, is I like to discuss what I read with my husband. A lot of the times he will understand something differently than me. He acts as my translator.
Well I would have never thought of doing that, it seems very helpful to do that, almost like re-writing notes, so that it sticks in your head. I have to try this sometime.
DeleteWhen I read a difficult text, I typically keep a dictionary nearby. I like to look up challenging words as I come across them, and then I replace the word in the sentence with the definition in order to better understand the point that the author is trying to make. Also, rather than stopping every time I come across something that is intellectually challenging, I will take notes of the page number and what I'm struggling with and will come back to it after reading the complete passage. Sometimes, I will be able to figure out the concept simply by finishing the author's total thought. Another thing that I find helpful is to read the troubling sentence aloud. By simply hearing the way that it's supposed to sound, it will oftentimes make the meaning "click" in my brain.
ReplyDeleteWhen I encounter a difficult reading, I usually try to slow down. I’ll go back and re-read the sentence, to try and understand it better. A lot of times, I find myself reading really fast just to get it done, so I don’t even try to read for comprehension. When I notice that I am doing that I will go back and re-read it over and over until I can understand what I’m reading. Another thing I do is look up difficult words. This is also really helpful to me when I have difficulty understanding.
ReplyDeleteI do this as well, re-reading something you don't comprehend tends to help the most.
DeleteIf I find a difficult read I tend to read out loud. While saying the words it helps me comprehend what is written. I also find that re-reading what I don't understand the first time helps me understand it the second time around. I read on a regular basis, whether it's for fun or for school so I don't really encounter to many things that I find as a difficult read. The most difficult is always some sort of science textbook because you really have to understand every sentence that your are reading. When I come across this, for example, I tend to read slower and out loud because it's easier to comprehend everything. I always have a dictionary as well just in case i stumble across a word I'm unfamiliar with.
ReplyDeleteI love to read; however, that doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with reading. Some of the strategies’ I use when struggling with reading a passage is reread it and look up words I do not understand the meaning to. Luckily now a days we have the internet and Google to help with difficult words that are a struggle to understand. These tools we have make it very simple to understand all material we find in reading material.
ReplyDeleteAnother tool often used is rereading the passage to better understand what the auther was tryinhg to say with that phrase. Often we read a passage and drift off into different thoughts. Reading the passage a second time will help to keep focused on what is going on in the book. Reading can be very difficult at times but with the tools at our disposal it can be made very easy and enjoyable.
One of the last tools I use is simply asking someone, with the internet and book culbs there are unlimited fountins of information for nearly every book that is published. Simply discussing the book with a friend can really help to understand what is going on in the passage, discussing with others opens a window and other views that you would have never thought of. Endless tools can be used to help understand a difficult read and any one of these options can help.