Critical reading and critiquing research in

History Europe 1848

• Have a brief discussion about critical thinking from the previous week.

• How to link critical thinking to critical reading

• What’s involved in critical reading

– Asking the questions

– Methodology of critical thinking

Objectives

Reading Critically

• Reading becomes and action

• Not just accepting what you are told

• QUESTION EVERYTHING!!

• Moving from description to analysis and evaluation

• Using this analysis to take a position

What is it?

How to do it?

1. Start with understanding the background of the work

2. What is the purpose of the text?

3. Examine the evidence or arguments presented;

4. Methodology used

Reading Critically

Reading Critically

How to do it?

5. Are there limitations on the study design or focus

6. What reasoning is used by the author?

7. Do you agree or disagree with the authors’ arguments, opinions or conclusions. Is there balance?

8. Review the work from a wider perspective.

Beware of ASSUMPTIONS

What could help you... The SQ3R Process

Survey

Question

Read

Repeat

Review

Why are you reading?

Set goals for your reading

Read quickly: skim or scan

In-depth Critical Analysis

Are your questions answered?

Types of Reading

Effective Reading – Take notes while reading – Read the who article/ chapter

briefly, then focus on one paragraph at a time

– Summarise paragraphs into a sentence or two

– Photocopy reading- great for making notes and highlighting work

Selective Reading -Choose sources that are relevant

to your topic - Organise your reading list - Practical: look at the reading lists and decide what would be relevant

As History students, you will be utilising both types of reading.

• There are two key purposes to your reading: – Remembering key information to be

used again (gaining knowledge)

– Developing your own intervention into the debate (learning)

• It is important to identify these differing purposes when you are reading

Creating reflections

How to make critical reading easier...

• Tip # 1: 40 minutes reading and 5 minute break- help with attention span and getting you use to academic reading

• Tip #2: Check the footnotes and bibliographies in your readings for other relevant resources

Methodologies to get the most out of your readings...

Note making skills

• Know the difference between note taking or note making

• This will help you with – Understanding your readings and the topic at

hand

– Keep up to date with your module

– Revision for your exams

– Decrease stress for exams

– PARAPHRASE

Types of note making styles

Linear method

• Notes are written in an outline form

• Good for taking detailed notes in lectures and for recording arguments/ideas.

Cornel method •Structured version of linear notes •Active note making process •Record, Reduce, Recite, Reflect and Review

•Mind maps •Useful for visual thinkers •Good for making connections between ideas •Helps fix ideas in head through visual memory.

Examples of these methods…

Cues

Summary

Notes Main ideas Questions that connect points Diagrams Prompts to help you study

When: After class,

during review

Record notes here, using concise sentences Shorthand symbols Abbreviations Lists Leave lots of space between points

When: During class

Top level main ideas For quick reference

When: After class, during review

Task- Practising Critical Reading

• Read the journal article critically

– What is the author’s main argument?

– What are the main points brought up?

– Are there any assumptions in the work?

– What methodologies are use?

– Are you convinced by the author’s argument?

Summary

• Critical reading is vital for your academic development

• Constantly ask questions with your readings and research

• Note making is an important part of organising your thoughts related to your readings.

Next week…

We’ll help you with understanding and making arguments

– How can you strengthen your argument?

– What aspects should you include when making arguments?

– What should you avoid?

For more help:

• Contact: monica.fernandes@brunel.ac.uk

• Or attend a consultation time either on Monday 11:00-12:00 or Wednesday 14:00-15:00 at MJ 243 (Wed. consultation 24th of January has been moved to Thursday at the same time)