Week 4

 In week 4 we leaned strategies for successful note taking, and how to be critical reader. When reading there are several different note taking strategies that can assist you greatly with comprehending the information that has been conveyed.

One strategy is called P2R Reading/Study system. This system works well when reading easy to average textbooks. The first step is to preview. You do this by reading the title, introductions, headings, and bold print; also use this time to look at the visual aids. The second step is to read actively. You do this by doing something active as you read. You can highlight important parts on underline them. After your have read a chapter pause and think about the information your have read. You may want to go back and highlight things that you would like to review before an exam. The last step to the P2R Reading/Study System is to review. There are several different ways you can review. You could review by using the headings. You do this by covering the heading and reciting the information in that section. You can also review by taking the end of chapter test. This will test your understanding of the information you just read.

Another reading comprehensive note taking strategy is the S-RUN-R Reading/Study System. The first step to this system is to survey the entire section. Read the title, introductions, headings, subheadings, and chapter summary; be sure to look at any picture graphs and charts if they are provided.  The next step is to read, before you start write the heading on a piece of paper. Writing the heading down will help you pay closer attention and focus on what your are about to read. The 3rd step to the S-RUN-R Reading/Study System is to Underline. After you have completed reading a paragraph, brainstorm on what you have read. Think about all the key points in the paragraph, and then underline them. Once you have done this go back to your notebook paper and take notes on the things you have just underlined or highlighted. Be sure to put the notes in your own words. Don't just copy the text book. Writing notes in your own words will insure that you fully understand what you have just read. The last step is to Review. When you have finished reading the chapter do the end of chapter test to make sure you completely understand the chapter. Also use you notes to help you test your knowledge.  

     In week 4 we also learned the importance of being a critical reading, and what qualifies you as one. The qualities of a critical reader are as follows.

1. Ask questions

2. Gather information

3. Examine information

4. Evaluate evidence

5. Form your own opinion.

When you do these thing while reading it forces you to get involved with the text. If you only read and never ask questions about what you have read you will never be able to form your own opinion. The author is not always right. A critical reader, reads the information, evaluates it, then make up their own mind about whether they want to believe the information they just read. Being a critical reader will help you tremendously when reading text books and listening to lectures in college.