The Act of Reading

• Reading is essential for functioning in a literate society.
• Reading is a basic skill for learning.
• Study reading enables reading, retaining, and remembering information.

Learning Outcomes

• Define and explain the act of reading.
• Discuss how to effectively engage in reading.
• Understand reading as a communication process.
• Recognize what and when to read.
• Explain study reading methods.
• Discuss reading, retaining, and remembering.

What is Reading?

• Reading involves interpreting written words and signs using eyes and mental processes for pleasure or serious purposes.
• According to AbiodunAdetugbo in "Communicative English and Study Skills," reading involves eyes moving in small jumps, stopping and starting along a line.
• Reading is vital for learning, knowledge acquisition, vocabulary expansion, and improved listening and writing skills.
• "Saccadic movement" refers to how eyes move when reading.

Nature of Reading

• Reading materials include newspapers, magazines, phone directories, and textbooks.
• Reading methods vary depending on the material.
• Reading can involve scanning, skimming, or study reading.
• Skimming surveys, while textbooks require concentration.
• Newspapers are usually read once, while textbooks are reread for exams.
• The nature of the reading material determines how it should be read.
• Reading can be done at any time, but location affects the nature of reading.
• Newspapers/magazines can be read anywhere, while textbooks require a quiet place for comprehension.
• Serious students should schedule regular study times in designated places and avoid distractions.

Methods of Study Reading

• Study reading gathers information to translate into knowledge.
• Study reading differs from other reading strategies by targeting in-depth, critical exploration.
• Success requires vigorous, wide reading and the ability to recall information.

The SQ3R Technique

• SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recall/Recite, and Review.
• Survey (S): Examine the book's title, preface, foreword, blurb, table of contents, and publication date to get an overview.
• Question (Q): Ask questions about the material to aid understanding, for example:
  • How correct is the information?
  • Does the book contain what it claims?
  • Does it contradict your opinions?
  • What is the writer's aim?
  • Is the writer objective?
• Read (R1): Read the text carefully, examine main ideas, illustrations, and examples, and answer questions, which may require multiple readings.
  • Adopt reading strategies:
    • Read purposefully and flexibly, adjusting speed to the material and purpose.
    • Pre-read introductory details and conclusions to organize the material.
    • Identify verbal and sense links using keywords and topic sentences.
    • Adopt a proper mental posture by maintaining a regular, distraction-free study environment.
    • Divide study material into manageable units.
    • Follow the writer's structure (introduction, body, conclusion).
    • Actively participate by asking questions and finding answers in the text.
• Recall/Recite (R2): Recall and recite the material to remember it; commit definitions, keywords, and illustrations to memory, either by paraphrasing or using exact words, and refresh memory if needed.
• Review (R3): Review and revise the material to make sure nothing has been forgotten.

The PQRST Technique

• PQRST stands for Preview, Question, Read, Summary, and Test.
• Preview: Examine the topic, headings, and main ideas.
• Question: Ask questions to aid understanding.
• Read: Read materials related to the topic and find answers to the questions.
• Summary: Summarize the studied material, including illustrations and diagrams.
• Test: Test yourself by answering previously formulated questions, focusing on the topic.

Other Techniques

• The 3S3R technique includes Survey, Study-read, Speech-read, Recite, Reflect, and Recollect.
• The OK4R technique includes Overview, Key points, Read, Recall, Reflect, and Review.
• Note-taking, flashcards, summarization, and mnemonic devices aid studying.
• Prepare A5 flashcards with visual cues.
• Summarization involves recalling material in short form using keywords.
• Mnemonic devices, like ROYGBIV for rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet), aid memorization.

Advantages of Study Reading

• Increases better study habits.
• Boosts effort in studying and passing exams.
• Helps to study and pass more effectively.

Reading, Retaining, and Remembering

• Memory affects retention.
• The ability to remember and recollect what is read is important.
• Memory can be classified into three types:

Sensory Memory (SM)

• Related to the senses (ears, eyes, hands, tongue, and nose).
• Information is usually very ephemeral.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

• Stores information for a short time.
• Information is organized, and vital points are selected while irrelevant ones are filtered.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

• A permanent store for storing large amounts of limitless information.
• New ideas are added to this storehouse.
• Recall without using the textbook’s exact words is best.
• Paraphrase the information.
• Recite verbatim when recalling lines in a play, foreign language, or in the sciences.
• The stages involved in storing information:
  • Encoding: Read, organize, and internalize information.
  • Storage: Retain the information.
  • Retrieval: Remember or recall stored information, which is aided by attention, concentration, focus, repetition, recitation, and review.