2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Chapter 1:Developing Your

Efficiency and Flexibility

Efficient and Flexible Reading, 8/e

Kathleen T. McWhorter

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

In this chapter you will learn:

1. To analyze your reading efficiency and flexibility.

2. To assess your learning style.3. To understand factors that affect rate

and comprehension.4. The basic principles that govern

efficiency and flexibility.

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Questionnaires in Chapter 1

Take the Efficiency Questionnaire to help you analyze whether you are an efficient reader.

Take the Learning Style Questionnaire to analyze your best learning strategies.

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Learning Styles andReading/Learning

Strategies

Auditory: Discuss/study with friends. Talk aloud when studying. Tape record self-testing questions and

answers.

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Visual: Draw diagrams, charts, and/or tables. Try to visualize events. Use films and videos when available. Use CD-ROM’s or software when

available.

Learning Styles and Reading/Learning Strategies

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EastWestNorth

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Applied: Think of practical situations to which

learning applies. Associate ideas with their application. Use case studies, examples, and

applications to cue your learning.

Learning Styles and Reading/Learning Strategies

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Conceptual:

Organize materials that lack order. Use outlining. Focus on organizational patterns.

Learning Styles and Reading/Learning

Strategies

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Spatial: Use mapping. Use outlining. Draw diagrams. Make charts and sketches. Use visualization.

Learning Styles and Reading/Learning Strategies

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Verbal: Translate diagrams and drawings into

language. Record steps, processes, and procedures

in words. Write summaries. Write your interpretation next to

textbook drawings, maps, and graphics.

Learning Styles and Reading/Learning Strategies

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Social: Form study groups. Find a study partner. Interact with the instructor. Work with a tutor.

Learning Styles and Reading/Learning Strategies

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Independent: Use computer assisted instruction when

available. Purchase review workbooks or study

guides when available. Use the technology that accompanies

your textbook.

Learning Styles and Reading/Learning Strategies

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Creative: Ask and answer questions. Record your own ideas in the margins

of textbooks.

Learning Styles and Reading/Learning Strategies

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Pragmatic: Study in an organized environment. Write lists of steps, procedures, and

processes. Paraphrase difficult materials.

Learning Styles and Reading/Learning Strategies

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Developing a Learning Action Plan

1. Circle the five aspects of your learning style in which you received higher scores.

2. Read through the suggestions that apply to you.

3. Place a check mark in front of the suggestions that you think will work for you.

4. List the suggestions that you chose in the “Action Plan for Learning” box.

5. Experiment with these techniques, one at a time.

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Preread and Consider:

The Format. Graphic and Visual Material. Typographical Aids. Language Features. Subject Matter. Length. Organization.

Developing Reading Flexibility: Assessing Difficulty

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Consider:

Type of Material Purpose in Reading Desired Level of Comprehension Approximate Range of Reading Rate

Developing Reading Flexibility:

Defining Your Purpose

See Table 1.2 in your text.

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Consider:

Your Background Knowledge Your Physical and Mental State Your Interest Level Your Reading Skills

Developing Reading Flexibility: Assessing Your

Skills and Abilities

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

Clearly define your purpose for reading the material.

Analyze what, if anything, you will be required to do after you have read the material.

Evaluate the relative difficulty of the material.

Developing Reading Flexibility:

Varying Your Rate and Comprehension

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

1. You do not always have to read everything.

2. Not everything on a page is of equal importance.

3. Shortcuts can save valuable time and make reading or studying easier.

4. You can increase your reading rate without losing comprehension.

5. Not everything that appears in print is true.

Principles of Efficiency and Flexibility

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

1. After you have chosen a passage in a book or article, count the total number of words in any three lines.

2. Count the number of lines on one page of the article or book.

3. As you read, time yourself.4. Divide the total reading time into the

total number of words.

Evaluating Your Rate and Flexibility

See the example in the textbook.

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

When you read do you:1. Question the author’s motive?2. Think about what the author means

as well as what he or she says?3. Ask Why? or How? as you read?4. Pay attention to the author’s choice of

words and their impact on you?5. Evaluate the evidence or reasons an

author provides to support an idea?

Check List

Critical Reading Tip #1: Developing Critical-Thinking

Skills

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

1. What is meant by reading efficiency and reading flexibility?

2. What is learning style?3. What are the features of a piece of writing

that can affect its level of reading difficulty?

4. What characteristics or circumstances can affect your reading rate?

5. Why should you vary your reading rate and level of comprehension?

6. What are the five major principles behind the techniques presented in this book?

Check ListSUMMARY

2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers

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