HOW TO IMPROVE LEARNING AND READING SKILLS

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.