Reading Skills

Prof. Mariame Naguim

Questions for reflection:

 Why is learning reading skills important?

 What makes reading challenging?
Reading techniques:

Skimming: reading a text quickly to get a general idea of what it is about.

( It is not important to understand each word when you are
skimming.)
Scanning: reading a text quickly to pick out specific information.
How to skim a text?
 Read the title if there is one.
 Read the introduction or the first paragraph.
 Read the first sentence of every paragraph.
 Notice any pictures, charts, or graphs.
 Notice any italized or boldface words or phrases.
 Use headings, sub-headings, bullet points or key words (those in bold, italics,
capitals or underlined) to guide you.
 Read the summary.

Examples: Newspapers, online articles, business and travel brochures.

How to scan a text?

 Search for keywords, one at a time, while jumping around the passage

 Scan through the passages rapidly until you find the keyword you search for

 Read the surrounding the surrounding material carefully, decide if you’ve found
what you need
For detailed reading:

the SQ3R method

 SQ3R is a reading method to increase retention and understanding, moving

from smaller details to larger ideas. It can be beneficial to those who rely on
written information and want to better understand.
SURVEY

QUESTION

READ

RECITE

RECALL
1. Survey – What can I learn from the text?
Before reading skim the material:

Skim the table of contents and find three to five main ideas that will be presented in the
text.
Pay attention to names, headings and subheadings.
Look at the captions under images, tables, diagrams and maps.
Pay particular attention to the introductory and final paragraphs, which often contain a
summary of the text.
2. Question – What do I hope to learn from the text?
Before reading a section, formulate questions and do the following:

Rephrase headings into questions.

Look whether the author has formulated questions at the beginning or end of the section.
Recall what you already know about the topic and what you still want to learn about it.
3. Read – Look for answers to your questions
Read captions under images and diagrams. Pay attention to highlighted
information.
Be open-minded – pay attention to new ideas and differing opinions.
Stop and reread difficult and unclear parts.
4. Recite – Consider what you want to remember from the information obtained.
Think about what you’ve read and summarise the main ideas expressed in the text.
If you realise there is something you have not fully understood, reread that section.
Take notes, expressing ideas in your own words.
5. Recall – Reread your notes and link the information with your own experience.
After reading the whole text, reread your own notes and pay attention to the main
ideas and connections between the ideas.
Link what you have learned with your own experience and other sources of
information.
How do you prefer to study or learn new information?
Activity 1:

Skim the text in 2 minutes.

 Learning Styles: A Simple Guide
Learning styles refer to the different ways individuals prefer to absorb, process, and retain
new information. Understanding your learning style can help you choose study methods that
work best for you, improving efficiency and boosting retention.
• Visual learners excel when information is presented through images, charts, graphs, and
colors. They tend to remember visual details and benefit from materials like diagrams, maps,
and videos.
• Auditory learners retain information best through sound. They thrive in environments
where listening is key, such as lectures, podcasts, and group discussions. They may read aloud
to themselves or use songs and rhymes to remember key concepts.
• Verbal learners prefer written or spoken words. They often perform well with tasks
involving reading, writing, and speaking. These learners enjoy note-taking, rewriting their
notes, and engaging in activities like role-playing or debating.
• Kinesthetic learners learn best through physical activity and hands-on experiences. They
enjoy exploring their environment through touch, building models, or participating in
interactive activities. For them, learning by doing is key to retaining information.
• Logical learners are naturally inclined toward reasoning and problem-solving.
They excel in tasks requiring logic, mathematics, and structured thinking. Organizing
information and understanding cause-and-effect relationships are strengths of this
style.
• Social learners thrive in group settings, benefiting from collaboration, discussions,
and shared learning experiences. They are good communicators and enjoy group
activities where they can exchange ideas and teach others.
• Solitary learners prefer independent study and introspective work. They excel in
quiet environments and are self-motivated, often setting their own goals and managing
their time effectively. They enjoy deep thinking and reflection on the material.
Knowing your learning style allows you to tailor your approach to studying, making
learning more effective and enjoyable. However, developing skills in other styles can
enhance your flexibility, making it easier to adapt to different learning environments
and challenges.
 What are the main types of learning styles mentioned?
Activity 2: Reading Comprehension:
Read the text again and answer these questions:

1) What are the seven learning styles mentioned in the text?

2) What study methods are recommended for visual learners?

3) How do auditory learners retain information best?

4) What activities do kinesthetic learners enjoy?

5) Why is it beneficial to develop skills in other learning styles?

1) The seven learning styles mentioned are: Visual learners, auditory learners, verbal
learners, kinesthetic learners, logical learners, social learners, solitary learners
2) Visual learners excel when information is presented through images, charts, graphs, and
colors. They benefit from study materials like: Diagrams, maps, videos
3) Auditory learners retain information best through sound. They thrive in environments
where listening is key, such as: Lectures, podcasts, group discussions. They may also
read aloud to themselves or use songs and rhymes to remember key concepts.
4) Kinesthetic learners enjoy physical activity and hands-on experiences. They prefer
activities such as: Exploring their environment through touch, building models,
participating in interactive activities For them, learning by doing is key to retaining
information.
5) Developing skills in other learning styles enhances flexibility, making it easier to adapt
to different learning environments and challenges. It allows individuals to: Use a wider
range of study methods. Become more versatile learners. Improve their ability to learn
in various settings (e.g., group work, independent study, hands-on tasks).
Activity 3: Self-Reflection

 Which learning style/styles you identify with?

Activity 4: Creating a Study Plan

 Choosea subject and create a personalized study plan

based on your learning style.