HOW TO IMPROVE LEARNING
AND READING SKILLS
Learning is the activity or process of
gaining knowledge or skill by studying, practicing, being taught, or
experiencing something. Learning could also be described as the act or
experience of one that learns. It is also knowledge or skill acquired by
instruction or study. Reading on the other hand is intellectual process
involving letter identification, word identification, mentally and
simultaneously. Reading can also be seen as a complex cognitive process of
decoding symbols in order to construct or derive meaning. Reading experts have
discovered that there is a correlation between comprehension and reading speed,
since improving physical aspect of reading is crucial to improving speed and
comprehension, the reader needs to learn new Motor Skill in developing visual
activity and perception. Such include increasing the recognition span,
developing rhythmic eye movement and avoiding regression and vocalization. God
almighty has deposited in us everything needed to succeed in life. Ours is just
to “give “attendance to reading to
exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee” (1 Timothy
4:13, 14).
However, as a student, there are many
things expected of you. Below are some:
APPROACH TO A BETTER
LEARNING SKILL
Many people recognize that each person prefers
different learning styles and techniques. Learning styles refers to common ways
that people learn. Everyone has a mix of learning styles. Some people may find
that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other
styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different
circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can
develop ability in less dominant styles as well as further develop styles that
you already use well.
If you have a solitary style of
learning, you are more private, introspective and independent. You can
concentrate well, focusing your thoughts and feelings on your current topic.
You are aware of your own thinking, and you may analyze the different ways you
think and feel. You spend time on self-analysis, and often reflect on past
events and the way you approached them. You take time to ponder and assess your
own accomplishments or challenges. You may keep a journal, diary or personal
log to record your personal thoughts and events. It should be noted however
that distractions must be avoided completely during learning irrespective of
the learning method.\
Let's consider three things briefly....
1. APPROACH TO A BETTER
READING SKILL
The basic strategy for a successful reading
is the SQ 3R formula. This technique involves five (5) steps: S – Survey Q- Question R- Reading R- Recall
R- Review
v Survey:
Before the commencement of reading or studying, it is expected that one looks
through the whole of the material to be read e.g. the title, preface, table of
contents
v Question:
The reader will be expected to formulate some specific questions that will
relate the heading and sub-heading of the materials
v Read:
This means reading carefully, actively and critically applying the techniques
that enable one to read with increased eye span and mastery of objects
v Recall:
study reading involves more than simply reading very carefully and with
concentration. It includes testing, organizing, relating concepts and facts,
mastery technical terms and formula, outlining, summarizing and reviewing.
v Review:
This aspect includes surveying the whole materials again, making sure of the
structure and organization of the materials it involves re-identifying of the
major ideas and important details, re-reading sections that have been noted or
underlined, recalling materials in a sequence and reviewing note.
If all these steps are strictly adhered
to, there will be improvement in the student’s leaning and reading skills
2. ADAPTING A GOOD
STUDYING SKILLS
Many youths’ problem of learning and
reading have been attributed to lack of understanding and adapting good
learning and reading skills. Below are some tips on developing a good and
reading skill:
I
Prepare
for reading
(i)
Be specific on what you
want to read
(ii)
Find a place where you
can concentrate
(iii)
Schedule a routine time
to read
II
Implement
the basics of reading in point 2 above
(i)
Survey -
(ii)
Question -
(iii)
Read – read the pages
carefully. Do not rush, take your time
(iv)
Recall – go through the
details to comprehend the text as you read it
(v)
Review – glance through
the book (material) again to ensure you have full understanding of its content
III
Advance
your reading skills
(i)
Read as much as you are
able to each time you read. Take a break when you are bored or need a break.
Reading should be fun and enjoyable. After your break, return where you stopped
and continue
(ii)
Re-read the material if
required. It is not wrong to re-read if you do not understand it fully the
first time
(iii)
Keep reading. Try to
read as much as you can on your reading and free time. Reading will help you in
lots of ways; your understanding will be improved, your vocabulary will become
better and more standard, above all you will notice your grades change for
better in school, that is; better academic performance.
Students are encouraged to cultivate a
consistent habit of learning and reading ahead of tests, examinations, etc. to
achieve improved academic performance.
