Academic reading and study techniques

Reading + writing = success!

Reading is critical for writing. When you write a paper, you base what you write on what you have read and learned in your course.

Dysthe, Hertzberg and Hoel (2010, p. 24) argue that in order to build your text based on the findings of others, you must have the ability to:

• • • • decide on what you need to read
      • vary your reading based on your objectives
      • take useful notes
      • write a summary and report the thoughts and opinions of others in an acceptable manner
      • use what you have read in your own context based on your purpose statement
      • use your sources to substantiate your claim
      • cite the sources you have used

 

In order do this, you need to read effectively and efficiently!

A common mistake students make is to begin with the first text from the course reading list and read it from start to finish. They move on to the next text from the list and then the next, each time reading from start to finish.  

You do not need to read all texts with the same thoroughness. It is also not necessary to read everything before you start writing. Start by getting an overview of the literature. This will allow you to subsequently read more in an effective and efficient manner as well as write along the way. 

 

• Get an overview of the literature!
  1. Obtain your course material! Buy, borrow, print out or save all the texts you have access to and organize them together.
  
  2. Browse through the course material to determine how important each of the texts are. Read the back cover of the books, the contents page and article summaries. Textbooks which provide a good introduction to the various elements of the subject are particularly important to familiarize yourself with. A clue to finding other important texts for your program of study is that they often can be found in several of the reading lists for your courses. Another clue is that they are frequently used and referred to in lectures. Be observant in regards to which texts stand out!  These are the texts you need to concentrate on first. Other texts are on your reading list may also be important but you may not need to start with them or read them as thoroughly. These supplementary texts will also be easier to read once you have had a good introduction to the subject first.
  
  3. It may be wise to read the introductory chapter of textbooks. Here you will find a lot of information and get a good overview of the contents of the book. 
  
  
• Read wisely!
  •  What is important after getting an overview of the literature and finding out where to begin is to read wisely. And once again, this entails getting an overview. Start by paging through the chapter or article you are about to read.  This will give you an idea of how long the text is, what the central concepts are and what you are going to learn about.
  • It can be a good idea to skim read the text before reading more thoroughly. Find out what works best for you!
    
    
    

 

• Read thoroughly and actively!
  • After you have gotten a better idea about what you are about to read, you can begin reading thoroughly. At this stage, you read to learn, understand the text and connect it to what you already have learned.  Be sure to use sufficient time to gain a deeper level of understanding.
  • Reading actively means that you should use to tips below and write while reading. Do what works for you whether it is using a highlighter or writing notes in the margins/on a laptop. Reflect on the content while reading, write down any questions that arise and look up words you do not understand. 
  • Create an environment for concentration. Also, find out what is necessary to maintain your focus while reading. A specific study technique, removing distractions and being sure to take breaks may be helpful in this regard.
    
    
    

 

• Write while reading!
  • Combining reading and writing will help you achieve a better overview and make it easier to learn. As there many ways to write while reading, it is important to find out what works best for you. Here are some alternatives: 
    • Highlight:  Highlight the most important concepts and key terms while you read. This will make rereading easier and give you practice in deciphering what is most important. Different color highlighters can be used for different types of information.
    • Take notes: Write notes in your own words. Record also any thoughts and questions that arise while you read. This will help you determine your next steps. What do you need to read more about? Do you need to read other texts? Remember that your notes can also be used to prepare for an exam or as a starting point when writing a paper.
    • Summary: It can be a good idea to write a short summary of what you have read. Try to write in your own words without looking back at the text. Doing this will help you see what you remember and understand as well what you need to repeat or learn more about. Summaries can often be useful when writing a paper later on.
    • Mind map: Mind mapping can be used to create a visual overview of concepts, definitions, thoughts and reflections. The mapping process helps you to understand how information is related. 
    • Free writing: Free writing provides good writing practice as well as allows you to process what you have read. Try to write a cohesive text in your own words after you have read something. Write down your own thoughts and reflections as well as questions you have. It does not need to be a well structured and academic text. The text is only for you. Later on, it is possible to rework the text for inclusion in you paper if you wish.