A grownup student must manage to read a document or even a chapter and understand the material by themselves, outside of the classroom. One of the finest approaches to ensure that this happens effectively would be to take notes while reading, writing down the ideas and thoughts inspired by what's being read.
Most students are taught to highlight while reading. This can be somewhat useful, but merely highlighting does little to enhance the comprehension of what's being read. Highlighting is a powerful way of finding a passage later, as is underlining and even making comments in the margin. However, none of these are as effective as taking notes.
The Purpose of Taking Notes While Reading
The main reason the student is reading something is, usually, to gain an comprehension of something that has been previously not understood, or at least to enhance the present comprehension of the material. Often, the reading assigned to a grown-up student is more condense and high in information than reading done in grade school. Thus, the reading can be more difficult.
The purpose of taking notes while reading is two-fold. On the one hand, the student is trying to understand what will be said, and to include that understanding in a more substantial picture of the course or goal of the reading. This purpose implies that the student must understand not merely the information but also the structure of what's being read. By taking notes while reading, this structure can often become clearer, easier understood. On another hand, the student does not need to see the material significantly more than is important; all things considered, the student is working within a period frame that can sometimes put constraints on the amount of time spent in the reading. Having to see the material more times than is important can be a waste of time. This does not signify the student will see the material just once; oftentimes, multiple readings are needed. But readings should not be wasted. By taking notes, the material can be understood faster and more effectively.
How exactly to Take Reading Notes
Unlike the classroom, the student has the chance to see the material significantly more than once. This fact implies that the technique of taking notes can be more deliberate; the student can make an effort needed to produce a set of structured notes, as opposed to employing a way of note-taking that minimizes time. For this reason, probably the very best way of taking notes while reading is to utilize an outline. By creating an outline, the structure of the material can be easier understood.MyReadingManga
The outline should be constructed as a routine of layers, as opposed to looking to get the entire outline done with one pass. The very first layer should be based on the structure of the reading; if section headers are given, these can supply a easily available initial structure. Within each section, the very first thing to find out is the goal of the section. Is this section putting forth an argument? Could it be explaining a notion? Providing an illustration? Once the reason is decided, this should be written underneath the section heading.
Following the section's purpose is decided, the reader then needs to include the details. I have found that doing this twice and comparing the outcomes creates the most effective notes. Browse the section through, creating an outline based on the reading. Following the section is performed, the student usually has an improved comprehension of what that area of reading is doing. Then reading the section a second time, developing a fresh outline provides a fuller understanding. Whether this second reading is performed just after the very first is entirely as much as the student. With particularly difficult sections, going for a break between the readings provides a fuller perspective on the reading, developing a better outline.
Once the outline is done, it must be reviewed for completeness. Is anything in the outline unclear, confusing? If so, then the student has two options. Either they can reread the material, looking for a clearer understanding, or even a question can be designed for the next class, looking a clearer understanding from the instructor.
Reading Technical Material
This technique works best in material where claims are made and supported, such as in economics, design principles, or surveys. Technical writing, such as mathematics and electronics, require a slightly different approach. The key sections for technical material in many cases are not the sections supplied by the reading material however the formulas being presented. Once the formulas are presented, then the outline should provide first a reason of what's in the formula then at least one example; more examples are useful if the material is not clearly understood the first time.
Practice makes Perfect
If you have any academic activity which improves with practice, it is reading and taking notes. Initially, the student will discover the endeavor difficult and fraught with uncertainty. Dealing with others, comparing notes and examples, can be of immense help when learning how exactly to take notes on reading material. While the student practices, however, she will notice a remarkable improvement. As in many other efforts, persistence in reading and taking notes pays off.
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