You can read the words but not remember what you just read. Sound familiar?
Reading comprehension isn't about speed—it's about engagement. Active reading produces understanding; passive reading produces nothing.
Why Comprehension Fails
- Reading without purpose
- No prior knowledge activation
- Passive consumption (no processing)
- Trying to read too fast
- Environmental distractions
- Reading unsuitable material for your level
Before You Read
Preview the Material
- Scan headings and subheadings
- Look at images, graphs, summaries
- Read the first and last paragraphs
- Get the structure before details
Activate Prior Knowledge
- What do you already know?
- What do you expect to learn?
- What questions do you have?
Set a Purpose
- Why are you reading this?
- What do you need to learn?
- What will you do with this information?
While You Read
Engage Actively
- Annotate (highlight sparingly, write notes)
- Ask questions as you read
- Summarize each section mentally
- Make connections to what you know
Monitor Understanding
- Does this make sense?
- Can you explain it?
- What don't you understand?
- When confused, slow down or re-read
Visualize
- Create mental images
- Draw diagrams
- Map relationships
After You Read
Summarize
- Close the book
- Write/say main points from memory
- Check against the text
Connect and Apply
- How does this relate to other knowledge?
- How might you use this?
- What questions remain?
Review
- Come back to the material
- Test yourself on key points
- Space your reviews over time
Reading Difficult Material
- Read more slowly
- Break into smaller sections
- Look up unfamiliar terms
- Read multiple sources on the topic
- Don't skip the hard parts
Related Articles:
- Note-Taking Strategies
- Active Recall Guide
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