Page 293 - Learning to Learn

LEARNING TO LEARN: BECOMING A SELF -GROWER 293
EXPERIENCE 10: READING FOR LEARNING READING
Using a Reading Log
A reading log is a tool to help you not only document what you have read, but also to help you focus on
applying the steps of the Reading Methodology in order to become a more effective reader.
Ron Miller, of Western Michigan University, explains that “all effective reading logs address two areas:
what the student has learned and how the student has learned it. Reading logs challenge students to analyze
their reading strategies, to demonstrate what they have learned from a reading assignment, to assess the
quality of what they have read, and to develop an action plan for improving reading skills” (Miller, 2007).
Another benefit of using a reading log is that you are essentially preparing your own study guide for
exams. When you create a reading log based upon assigned reading, you are engaging in every step of
the Reading Methodology and are therefore increasing your skills as a reader. Beyond this, however, you
are outlining the readings and being prompted to make connections and ask critical thinking questions. It
should come as no surprise that these are precisely the types of skills that will serve you well on exams
and reports.
In order to become familiar with a reading log and how to use one, examine the student samples on the
following four pages.
The first example is a reading log that Molly created based on an article she read about yoga. The second
example is from Star Performer Paula (who you met in Experience 1); she has filled out a reading log
based on an article about top medical breakthroughs of 2007.
Their course instructor has assessed their reading logs and provided helpful feedback at the bottom of each
reading log. This feedback is in a format that should be familiar to you at this point: strengths, areas for
improvement, and insights.
Molly says, "I didn't see the point of a
reading log when I first heard about it,
but then I realized that it's really just
the Reading Methodology (which helps
A LOT!) with easy and quick prompts.
I like that I can keep a bunch of blank
logs in my notebooks to use for different
reading assignments. I used a reading
log for a chapter in my world history
survey course, and believe it or not, one
of the questions I asked on my reading
log was one of the questions on our
first quiz! I never would have focused
on those specific ideas if I hadn't been
using a reading log."