Have you ever read something without really absorbing it? Do you feel like you spend too much time reading the wrong texts? On this page, we will learn about active reading — a reading technique designed to help you get more out of your reading experience.
Getting started with active reading
Active reading means making choices about what you read and how you read, and different strategies should be used for different texts. Here are some things to take into consideration:
Have a purpose in mind when you read
Some purposes for reading are learning about new concepts in depth, searching for topics to include in an assignment, and looking for information to support a specific point.
How much will you read?
If the article or book is a core text, then you may decide to read it from cover to cover while taking notes. However, if you are searching for specific information, surveying, skimming, and scanning techniques may be more appropriate.
How does it relate to other texts
If you find that a text has a connection to something else you have read, then as an active reader you would make note of this. As time passes and you read more texts, it is easy to forget this type of detail.
Take notes and keep organised
Active readers take notes as they read and represent their information in visual ways, such as using tables, diagrams, and mind maps.
Evaluating the text
Get to know the writer
Getting to know the author can tell you a lot about the purpose of the text. Check their affiliations, that is, any companies, groups or parties that they are associated with. For example, an article written about the benefits of cow’s milk by the CEO of a dairy company should not be the only source used if you are discussing the health impact of dairy products.
Think about the title
The title of a text can give you useful information about the writer’s purpose, tone, and attitude. Compare the two titles below and consider the information they reveal about the writer:
Title 1: The effects of social media usage on adolescent mental health
Title 2: How social media is disrupting the lives of today's teens
You may have identified that the first title is objective. In other words, it does not indicate a bias from the author, and it is probable that the author will be reporting on the observations they have uncovered through the course of their study. On the other hand, title 2 appears to be more subjective, and could be more based on the author's personal feelings.
Critical thinking
Active readers evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the text as they go. To do this, they may ask themselves questions such as:
Has the article/report fulfilled its purpose?
Is the argument clearly stated and supported by evidence?
Is the research valid? (Sufficient, appropriate, adequate, objective, valid methodology?)
Has the argument been developed logically?
Does it present solutions based on evidence?
Are recommendations appropriate to the purpose?
Has the article/book been published by a reputable publisher?
