This document outlines steps for effective reading and preparing for exams. It discusses the SQ3R technique for reading which involves surveying, questioning, reading, reciting and reviewing material. It also provides tips for doing exams such as having complete notes, allowing sufficient study time, and reading notes through three times. The document emphasizes adopting a positive attitude and enjoying the learning process.
3. Introduction
The word ‘Effective’ is an adjective used to
describe something that produces a desired
result.
Effective Reading is therefore a reading
exercise that produces a desired result;
Effective Reading is therefore purposeful.
4. Steps to Effective Reading
The SQ3R Technique
◦ Survey: Understand the message the author is
trying to pass across to you.
◦ Question: Ask questions that your text serves as
an answer to. Question the things you do not
understand. Anticipate questions that could be
asked from the text
◦ Read: Actively and Purposefully
◦ Recite: This involves reading out loud.
◦ Review: Recall. Assess and test yourself
5. Steps to Effective Reading
1.
Reading starts with a purpose in mind.
◦ Why are you reading? (To learn something new
or re-learn something you have known)
◦ What do you hope to gain?
◦ Be Curious
◦ This aids concentration
2.
Study and Understand Yourself
◦ Can you read alone or with friends?
◦ Can you read in noisy or quiet environments?
◦ Can you read with music?
6. Steps to Effective Reading
3.
CONNECT! Create Mental Pictures
How does this text apply to real life situations?
Have I experienced what is being described in this
text?
Re-create the text in your own words.
4. Mop Up Excess Time
Read in-between lectures
Read when classes are cancelled
7. Practice Text
BARTER
The existence of pure barter does not
necessarily indicate a very primitive form of
civilization. Often the system survives long after
the community has progressed considerably in
other respects. This may be due to conservatism,
since primitive peoples are reluctant to change
their trading methods, even though they be
sufficiently intelligent and advanced to adopt
more convenient methods. In some cases there
is prejudice against the adoption of a monetary
economy, though such prejudice is usually
directed against the use of coins rather than
against primitive money.
8. Practice Text Contd.
BARTER
In many cases barter continues to be the principal
method of trading long after the adoption of
some form of money, for the simple reason that
there is not enough money to go round. And a
decline in the supply of money often causes a
relapse into barter. Distrust in money has also
been responsible for reversion to the barter
system; such distrust may have been caused by
debasement or inflation.
From Primitive Money by Paul Einzig
http://www.uefap.com/reading/exercise/ess1/einzig.htm
9. Doing Examinations Right!
Renew your mind to the purpose of Exams
◦ They are not designed to embarrass, intimidate
or punish you.
◦ They are simply a test of your abilities and
intelligence
◦ They create opportunities for you to prove
yourself and create an impression (positive or
negative) on your examiner, who needs to reach
a conclusion about you.
10. Doing Examinations Right!
Have Complete Notes
◦ Do not miss classes
◦ Do assignments
◦ Compare notes with colleagues
Allow enough study time
◦ Determine how much time you require per course.
“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some
few to be chewed and digested”. (Francis Bacon, English
philosopher)
◦ Study similar courses together
11. Doing Examinations Right!
Read through your notes THREE (3)
TIMES.
◦ Read to Reveal main points and general ideas;
to study the structure and content of your
note.
◦ Read to Review. This reinforces an
understanding of what you have been taught.
You should obtain more materials to better
understand your lecturer.
◦ Read to Remind. This is for exam revision
purposes.
For each topic you have read, write down all you have learnt and
then check for anything you may have left out.