March+5+Inservice+Reading+Strategies

=Academic Reading Strategies=

This work was created by Shawna Shapiro PH.D. Middlebury College

Preview text (alone or with classmates)

 * Consider purpose for reading (To prepare for lecture? To write a response?)
 * Look at overall length, organization, headings, visuals, keywords/main concepts. ect.
 * Reflect on your own background and prior knowledge and make some connections
 * Consider doing a short internet search if needed to build up your knowledge base if content is completely unfamilar
 * Predict what the overall agrument(s) might be.
 * Try to consider WHY this reading was assigned. What does it offer, in relation to the class overall?

As you read

 * Notice(or form) sections in the reading.
 * Consider the best sequence of reading: (Intro/conclusion first?)
 * Try to identify main arguments, thinking about the "new" perspective this author brings.
 * Engage physically with the text (margin notes and symbols, underlining) or make a reading log.
 * Test yourself at various points: See if you can summarize the author's main points and offer some kind of response/reaction
 * Take breaks as needed (usually brain efficiency peaks within 15-20 minutes)
 * Don't look up every word you don't know
 * Don't try to memorize everything in the reading
 * Don't worry if you only understand parts of the reading

After you read

 * Try to predict what concepts, points, and examples might be brought up in discussion
 * At a minimum, try to come out with "3,2,1"
 * 3 main points or concepts
 * 2 comments or connections
 * 1 question
 * Re-evaluate your strategies over time
 * Are you able to meet your goals? (to participate in class discussion, write the response paper, use the reading in another way?)
 * Consider using different strategies with different kinds of readings