Strategic Reading

Some [scientific articles] are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.

Francis Bacon, 1625

Strategic Approaches to Scholarly Reading

Objective: to gain an overview of strategic approaches to scholarly reading

Treat reading as a goal-oriented, versatile activity and become a more effective reader. In this course, we will exchange on best reading practices and discuss the importance of reading speed adjustments, asking questions to a text and following the structure of various scholarly reading materials.

Additionally, we will look into selected digital tools to improve the discoverability of scholarly texts to identify those that are relevant to your research topic. 

This workshop is designed to help young scientists understand reading as an activity and help them become more efficient and effective readers. Good readers are flexible in their reading approach: instead of ‘plodding’, that is reading consistently at 150 words per minute, well-trained readers have the capacity to adjust their speed to the material. In addition, they have a clear purpose and understanding of the texture and structure of their reading materials. Thus, reading is an active and purposeful act which needs a focused and selective reader.

We will discuss:

• Writer <> Reader perspectives
• Text structure
• Active reading and effective note-taking
• Selective reading speed
• Text comprehension strategies
• Improved reading focus and dealing with distractions
• Digital tools for collaborative reading and annotating and literature search

Reading Suggestions

Kump P, (Nov 1998), Breakthrough Rapid Reading. Published by Prentice Hall Press | 304 Pages | 7 x 9-1/4| ISBN 9780735200197

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