1.
What is a Logodaedalian?
2.
Define/Explain the SQ3R Method.
Chapter Eight:
Read
College math courses
and
Reading comprehension
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Active readers tend to approach assignments
with a positive, open mind:
◦ “I’m going to learn from this.” “I think I can apply
this to my life now”
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Passive readers tend to have a negative
attitude about reading:
◦ “This stuff is worthless.”
http://www.online-stopwatch.com/fullscreen-stopwatch/
Rate Calculator for Relatively Easy Passages
Time in Seconds and
Minutes
Words Per Minute
50
464
60 (1 min)
387
120 (2 min)
194
130
179
140
165
150
155
160
145
170
137
180 (3 min)
129
200
116
Comprehension Results
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
True
True
False
True
False
Conclusions
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Average reading speed is
250 words/minute
Average textbook page
has 450 words
Speed/Comprehension
scores are raw numbers
for basic reading
◦ Does not allow for
marking, highlight, note
taking, etc
◦ Coupling these skills with
basic reading can TRIPLE
the required reading time.
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Not concentrating on the passage (thinking
about other things)
Vocabulary words with which you are not
familiar
Stopping too long on any given single word
(Fixation – discussed later)
Not reading often enough to build your
speed.
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A person who has a great passion for unique,
sly, and clever words and phrases.
Develop a dynamic vocabulary by reading
Look up unfamiliar words in a collegiate
dictionary
Jot down the best definition in the margin of
your text
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Increasing your Concentration
◦ Reduce outside distractions such as people talking,
poor climate conditions (cold/hot), televisions, etc.
◦ Reduce internal distractions such as fatigue, selftalk, daydreaming, hunger, etc.
◦ Take short breaks every 20 minutes, but don’t get
distracted, come back in 3-5 minutes.
◦ Take notes as you read
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Increasing your Vocabulary
◦ If you do not know a word – stop and look it up.
◦ If you are “in the zone” – mark the word, and look it
up at your 20 minute break, then re-read the
passage.
◦ The more words you learn, the less often you will
have to break your concentration.
◦ It is nearly impossible to read, comprehend, and
remember a passage when you do not know or
understand one or more words.

Reducing your Fixation
◦ Fixation is when your eyes stop on a single word to
read it.
◦ The average reader sees approximately 2.5 words
per fixation
◦ Reduce fixation through practice. Try seeing two or
more words with one fixation.
Developing this skill requires
PRACTICE

The topic is the main idea of the paragraph –
identifying the main idea of a paragraph can
greatly aid your comprehension.
◦ You can identify the topic by answering the
question: “Who or what is this paragraph about?”
◦ Topic statements should be general enough to over
all of the specifics of the paragraph.
◦ Topic statements should be specific enough to
exclude other paragraphs.

Practicing these steps of identifying the main
idea will help you learn to do it naturally.
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S = Scan
Q = Question
R = Read
R = Recite
R = Review
Only effective when used on a regular basis,
useless as a method for cramming.
The method is time consuming, but highly
effective.
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Read the title, headings, and subheadings of
the chapter.
Look at bold terms and graphic material
(timelines, graphs, charts, pictures, etc).
If there is a chapter summary, read it.
Read first and last sentence of each
paragraph.
Scanning IS NOT a substitute for reading a
chapter.
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Turn major chapter headings into questions
Ask “Who? What? When? Where? Why?” type
questions.
If you cannot answer these questions after
scanning, you should search for the answers
while reading
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READ THE CHAPTER
Read paragraphs chronologically, don’t jump
around – paragraphs build on one another.
Take notes and highlight as you read.
◦
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Read an entire paragraph before marking
Identify and mark the main point
Highlight key ideas
Beware of overmarking text
Stop to look up unfamiliar words
Take complete notes, beyond highlighting and
scribbles in the margin
◦ See page 163 for Sample Note-Take Methods
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After reading the chapter, ask yourself: “What
was that all about?”
Discuss the chapter with a classmate, ask
questions.
Recite alone or with a study partner, if you
can’t explain the chapter to yourself or
someone else, you didn’t understand the
material.
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Final step for comprehension – RE-read the
chapter.
Survey and read text again.
Answer questions you developed.
Determines whether you have mastered the
information.
Stores and retains the information in long
term memory.
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Approach text with an open mind
Free your mind of distractions so you can focus
Read with your “six pack”
Look up words you don’t know
Record vocabulary words to review
Use SQ3R
The more you use your reading skills, the
better you’ll become at reading and
comprehending
If you’re having trouble, ask for help.
(Professor, Academic Centers, Excel Center,
Tutor)
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Wednesday we will be meeting in TLC 1116.
Journal Assignments due (free write or Dr
Horrible).
Email your group members to me by the end
of October, if you are having trouble finding
partners, let me know by Oct 25th.