Page 72 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Discussion of the Steps in the Reading Methodology

Step 1—Establish Purpose

Before you begin reading, identify why you are reading, what you want to get out of the material,
and how thoroughly you need to understand it. Determine if you are reading for a general idea or
for details. The purpose will vary depending on the context, whether you are reading for a test,
to complete an assignment, or for pleasure. By carefully defining your purpose, you can set your
reading strategy to accomplish this purpose. For example, if you are reading for details, your
reading speed will be slower than if reading for just a general idea or for pleasure. However, if
you are reading only to get some idea of the main points, then skimming alone may be sufficient.

Step 2—Set Objectives and Criteria

Based on the purpose, set objectives and criteria which specify your expected outcome of the reading,
i.e., what you want to accomplish. How the Reading Methodology is used will depend a great deal on
the specific purpose and objectives. For example, if you are reading for leisure, your only objective
may be to enjoy the reading. In this case, many of the steps of the methodology are not applicable.
On the other hand, if you are studying for an exam, the purpose and use of the methodology are very
different. All the steps of the methodology become important in this situation.

Step 3—Estimate Time

Consider the total amount of time you have available for the reading and compare it to the estimated
time to complete the reading. Skim the reading to estimate the difficulty of the material and your
familiarity with the material. Be sure to consider the level of difficulty as you budget your time.
Remember, when reading for academic (rather than leisure) purposes, you will usually need to read
through the text more than once. Make sure you schedule adequate time to allow you to do this.

Step 4—Read Critically

Mark the parts of the reading that are difficult, complex, or confusing. After reading through
the material, refer back to the areas you’ve marked. Spend additional time working to build
comprehension. The following will help you to read more critically.

Build your vocabulary.
Identify terminology in the reading that is unfamiliar to you. Write down these words and
look up the definitions. In effect, build your own glossary. You may also want to write notes
and definitions to “key” words in the margins of your outline, your notes, and if allowed,
in the reading itself.

Get the big picture about what you are reading.
As best you can, as you read, try to determine the author’s purpose, intended audience, and
the type of writing style. These factors influence what is being said and how it is being said.
Different kinds of writing (e.g., a novel, play, poem, personal essay, lab report, newspaper
article, or scholarly article) have different requirements that determine the form in which the
material is presented. Similarly, the intended audience will determine the level of difficulty
of the reading and how formal or informal the writing is. Take note of the author’s purpose
in writing, point of view or attitude toward the subject matter, and expertise.

66 Foundations of Learning