A grown-up student needs to manage to read a report or even a chapter and understand the material independently, outside the classroom. One of the greatest ways to be sure that this happens effectively is always to take notes while reading, writing down the ideas and thoughts inspired by what is being read.
Most students are taught to highlight while reading. This is somewhat useful, but merely highlighting does little to improve the understanding of what is being read. Highlighting is an effective approach to finding a verse 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 reason the student is reading something is, usually, to get an understanding of something that was previously not understood, or at the very least to improve the present understanding of the material. Often, the reading assigned to a grownup student is more condense and filled with information than reading done in grade school. Thus, the reading can be more difficult.
The objective of taking notes while reading is two-fold. On the main one hand, the student is attempting to know what has been said, and to incorporate that understanding in a bigger picture of the course or goal of the reading. This purpose implies that the student must understand not merely the information but in addition the structure of what is being read. By taking notes while reading, this structure can often become clearer, easier understood. On another hand, the student does not want to learn the material a lot more than is necessary; all things considered, the student is working within a period frame that will sometimes put constraints on the quantity of time spent in the reading. Having to learn the material more times than is necessary could be a waste of time. This doesn't signify the student will read the material only once; in many cases, multiple readings are needed. But readings shouldn't be wasted. By taking notes, the material can be understood faster and more effectively.
Just how to Take Reading Notes
Unlike the classroom, the student has the ability to learn the material a lot more than once. This fact implies that the method of taking notes can be more deliberate; the student can take some time needed to create a set of structured notes, rather than using a approach to note-taking that minimizes time. Because of this, probably the very best approach to taking notes while reading is by using an outline. By creating an outline, the structure of the material can be easier understood.MyReadingManga
The outline must certanly be constructed as a string of layers, rather than trying to get the entire outline finished with one pass. The initial layer must certanly be based on the structure of the reading; if section headers are supplied, these may give a easily available initial structure. Within each section, the first thing to find out is the objective of the section. Is this section putting forth an argument? Could it be explaining an idea? Providing a good example? Once the purpose is set, this should be written under the section heading.
Following the section's purpose is set, the reader then needs to set up the details. I have discovered that achieving this twice and comparing the results creates the most effective notes. See the section through, creating an outline based on the reading. Following the section is done, the student usually has a much better understanding of what that portion of reading is doing. Then reading the section an additional time, creating a fresh outline provides a fuller understanding. Whether this second reading is done right after the foremost is entirely around the student. With particularly difficult sections, going for a break between the readings provides a fuller perspective on the reading, creating a better outline.
After the outline is created, it should be reviewed for completeness. Is anything in the outline unclear, confusing? If that's the case, then your student has two options. Either he can reread the material, buying clearer understanding, or even a question can be made for another class, looking a clearer understanding from the instructor.
Reading Technical Material
This technique works best in material where claims are created and supported, such as in economics, design principles, or surveys. Technical writing, such as mathematics and electronics, desire a slightly different approach. The main element sections for technical material are often not the sections given by the reading material nevertheless the formulas being presented. After the formulas are presented, then your outline should provide first a conclusion of what is 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 there is any academic activity which improves with practice, it's reading and taking notes. Initially, the student may find the endeavor difficult and fraught with uncertainty. Working with others, comparing notes and examples, can be of immense help when learning just how to take notes on reading material. As the student practices, however, she will notice an amazing improvement. As in a great many other efforts, persistence in reading and taking notes pays off.
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