Introduction
Video
Reading With Purpose (Module 5)
TMU Video | Duration: 03:12
Every day, we read different kinds of material with different goals and purposes. We read for leisure,
to find directions, to interpret messages, to keep up with friends and trends on social media, and so
on. For the most part, our daily reading is self-initiated, as these different kinds of texts help guide us
through our daily tasks and prepare us for future ones.
As part of your undergraduate studies, you will be asked to read content that you didn’t select for
yourself. Some of the content may be interesting to you, but most may just be informational and not
interesting to you. In this module, we will explore strategies for reading academic texts, learn the
basics of reading strategy, talk about barriers to reading comprehension, and finally explore how to
apply these strategies for how to deploy reading skills when reading gets challenging.
Before we go forward, let us sample the class opinion on the most common thoughts that come to
mind when students hear that we are going to explore effective reading. Please participate in the
anonymous polls below:
I know how to read, since I have been reading for years,
which has prepared me well for reading course materials.
Agree
Disagree
Submit
There is nothing new about reading that I can learn.
Agree
Disagree
Submit
No one is saying that you are not good at reading. You have made it this far in your jobs and
academics, and that alone speaks to your reading ability. The goal for you in this module is to help
assess and calibrate your current strategies so you can save time and make the most of the time you
do spend reading. Another goal is to learn how to read with intention, where you ask yourself “what
do I need to learn from this book,” and then use your strategies to find out.
Topics and Learning Objectives
Topics
Reading academic textbooks effectively
Effective reading strategy
Ways to highlight text
Moving beyond the basics
Barriers to reading comprehension
Strategies for reading complex content effective reading
Learning Objectives
By successfully completing this module, you should be able to:
Describe strategies for reading more effectively
Describe common barriers to effective reading and how they impact comprehension
Develop your own personal reading with purpose strategy
Tasks for this module
1. Study the module content.
2. Complete the learning activities on page “Effective Reading Strategy.”
3. Complete the graded activities listed on page “Graded Assessments.” Note that you need to
submit your work for these activities in D2L.
Workload Reminder!
Please be prepared to spend approximately six to eight hours working through the content and
activities in this module. The focus of this module is on critical reflection, discussion, and
practice, not on trying to retain all the strategies and resources shared.
Readings & Resources
1. Ellis, D. (2017). The essential guide to becoming a master student. Cengage
Learning. (Chapter 4: Reading)
Reading Academic Textbooks Effectively
Most courses that you will encounter in your undergraduate studies will have an assigned textbook.
Textbooks are a great resource because they comprehensively cover content, are organized to
present content in a logical matter; are peer-reviewed so they can be relied on, and finally have, in
recent years, become more accessible with the introduction of online textbooks.
Textbooks have some built-in challenges that create potential learning obstacles for students. Here
are some of the challenges that people face when reading textbooks and some suggested solutions
to these challenges:
1. Complexity of language: Textbooks often use specialized vocabulary and technical
terminology, which can make them difficult to understand for readers who are not familiar with
the subject matter.
Click-n-reveal: Solution 1
a. Use online dictionaries and glossaries to understand specialized vocabulary and
technical terminology.
b. Using textbook companions, such as study guides or student workbooks, may
provide simplified explanations of key concepts and terms.
c. YouTube videos or podcasts may offer visual or auditory explanations of new and or
difficult concepts in a more engaging and accessible format.
2. Lengthy and dense content: Textbooks are often long and densely packed with information,
which can be overwhelming for readers who are not used to reading such material.
Click-n-reveal: Solution 2
a. Try breaking up reading into smaller sections and take regular breaks to avoid
feeling overwhelmed.
b. Using study guides, summaries, or outlines to help identify key concepts and focus
on the most important information.
c. Practice active reading techniques, such as highlighting or taking notes, to stay
engaged and retain information.
3. Lack of engagement: Textbooks are often dry and factual, and can be difficult to engage with
for readers who are looking for a more interesting or entertaining read.
Click-n-reveal: Solution 3
a. Look for supplemental materials, such as videos, podcasts, or articles, that cover
the same topics but in a more engaging format.
b. Join a study group or discussion forum to share ideas and insights with other
learners.
c. Try to connect the material to real-life experiences or personal interests to make it
more relevant and engaging.
4. Lack of context: Textbooks (especially those for more advanced courses) may assume that
readers have some prior knowledge or understanding of the subject matter, which can make it
difficult for readers who are new to the topic or have some gaps in their learning of the basic
concepts.
Click-n-reveal: Solution 4
a. Look for introductory materials, such as textbooks designed for beginners or online
tutorials, that provide a more basic overview of the subject matter.
b. Use online resources, to quickly look up background information or additional
resources on specific topics.
5. Poor organization: Some textbooks may not be well-organized, which can make it difficult for
readers to find the information they need.
Click-n-reveal: Solution 5
a. Create a personalized outline or summary of the textbook's contents to help keep
track of important information.
b. Look for reviews or summaries of the textbook to get an idea of how it's structured
and organized.
c. Use online resources, such as SparkNotes or CliffsNotes, to supplement the
textbook and provide additional context and organization.
6. Outdated information: Textbooks may not always be up-to-date with the latest research and
developments in the field, which can be a problem for readers who need the most current
information.
Click-n-reveal: Solution 6
a. Check for the publication date of the textbook and look for more recent sources of
information to supplement or update the material.
b. Use online resources, such as academic journals or news articles, to stay up-to-date
with the latest research and developments in the field.
c. Look for textbook editions that have been recently updated or revised, to ensure the
information is current.
Which one of these textbook challenges can you relate to or
have you encountered before?
Complexity of language
Lengthy and dense content
Lack of interactive content
Outdated information
Lack of content/relevant content such as modern examples
Submit
Effective Reading Strategy
Video
This video provides a good introduction on how to effectively read a textbook. It explains why
effective reading is important and also offers tips on how to make the best use of your reading
time.
Please watch the video with particular attention to the strategies offered.
How to Read a Textbook - Study Tips - Improve Reading Skills
YouTube Video | Duration: 07:43
How to Read a Textbook - Study Tips - Improve Reading Skills
Having reviewed the general characteristics of course material when courses have assigned
textbooks, let us explore strategies for reading content in general. Before moving beyond the basics
in upcoming pages of this module, let’s look at some specific strategies. Here are the general
principles to follow when approaching reading assignments:
Activity
Activity #1: Front and Back Matter of a Textbook
To complete this activity, first read the first few paragraphs from Mary Shier’s Student
Success, 5.3 Navigate Textbooks. Read up to the exercise on the page.
To complete the exercise, you can download the document Exercise-Front and Back Matter of
a Textbook. This document is a copy of the exercise from the online textbook which you can
use to complete the exercise.
Activity #2: Skimming
To complete this exercise, continue reading from 5.3 Navigate Textbooks, from the Skim-
Reading Textbook Chapters section onward. Then, complete the Skimming exercise as listed
in the online textbook.
Feel free to read the entire chapter in this online textbook, as it provides some helpful
information about reading a textbook effectively.
Watch and learn!
Dr. Amina Yonis demonstrates how to deploy these basic practices in her video:
How To Read A Paper Quickly & Effectively | Easy Research Reading Technique
YouTube Video | Duration: 09:50
How To Read A Paper Quickly & Effectively | Easy Research Reading Tec…
Please watch the video and apply what you have learned from the video to the following
article, Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner: An Overview, Theory Into Practice, by Barry J.
Zimmerman.
Moving Beyond Basics
Sometimes the basic approach to reading proves insufficient because of factors that are outside of
our control. Even with the best intentions and approach, we are sometimes faced with challenges that
diminish our comprehension of content. In order to effectively apply the reading techniques that we
choose, we need to identify what barriers may prevent us from reading effectively and adapt our
reading approach to mitigate these barriers. Here are some highlights of the barriers that students
commonly encounter and some free resources at Toronto Metropolitan University that you can make
use of to overcome these barriers.
Lack of prior knowledge
Readers who are not familiar with the subject matter may have difficulty understanding the text. They
may not have the necessary background knowledge to make sense of the information presented.
This can lead to confusion, frustration, and a lack of engagement with the material. One way to
overcome this barrier is to research the subject matter beforehand, or to consult outside sources to
gain a better understanding of the topic. The TMU library offers students a number of Research
Services that can help you improve your prior knowledge of a subject. Some of the services offered
include a research help desk, appointments with subject specific librarians and much more.
Vocabulary and language barriers
Readers who are not familiar with the vocabulary or language used in the text may struggle to
comprehend the material. This can be especially challenging for those who are learning a new
language or who are not native speakers. To overcome this barrier, it may be helpful to use a
dictionary or translation tool to look up unfamiliar words or phrases. TMU offers free Language
Support resources that can help students to enhance their vocabulary and general language skills.
Limited attention span
Many people today have shorter attention spans due to the constant distractions of technology and
other factors. This can make it difficult to concentrate on reading for an extended period of time.
Using a step-by-step guide for your study sessions could be an alternative approach to explore, in
addition to deploying the learning strategies we discussed in the previous module. The TMU Learning
Support office offers a range of study skill workshops and tipsheets that could help you develop
some step-by-step study guides that are customized to the courses you are taking.
Emotional or psychological barriers
Factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional or psychological strains can interfere
with reading comprehension. These factors can make it difficult to concentrate, remember what was
read, or make connections between different ideas in the text. TMU’s Centre for Student
Development and Counseling offers free, confidential counselling services in a professional and
friendly environment. Services are provided by a team of psychologists, social workers,
psychotherapists, and counselling interns. To book an appointment, contact 416-979-5195 or email
[email protected].
Physiological barriers
In partnership with students and faculty, TMU’s Academic Accommodation support office implements
individualized accommodation plans to reduce disability-related barriers and ensure that students
have equal access to education. Readers with temporary and/or permanent disabilities can access
this service using any of the communication channels on the Academic Accommodation Support
contact page.
In summary, you are part of a learning community that understands that you will encounter barriers
during your academic journey and actively provides resources to provide support so you are able to
excel at your academic and personal life pursuits.
Strategies For Reading and Studying Complex
Content
It’s easy to get bogged down in murky reading assignments (Ellis, 2020). Having more than one
strategy at your disposal means that when reading gets more challenging, you can adjust your
strategy to gain more from the time you spent reading. Here are some of these strategies illustrated.
As you watch the videos, please think about which strategy resonates with you the most. Which
strategies have you already been using? Which have you not used before? Which would you adopt
going forward? Make some notes because you will be using this information for both the online
discussion and the reflection submission exercises this week.
Tab Panels (expanded):
Tab: SQ3R
The SQ3R method is a technique for studying effectively based on evidence. The method
involves five steps: survey, question, read, recite, and review.
In the survey step, the student skims through the material to get an overview.
In the question step, the student formulates questions based on the material.
In the read step, the student reads the material actively and looks for answers to the
questions.
In the recite step, the student recites the information out loud or writes it down to
reinforce learning.
Finally, in the review step, the student reviews the material periodically to retain it better.
The video below provides tips and examples for each step and emphasizes the importance of
active learning and engagement in the study process.
SQ3R - How to study effectively (evidence based study tips)
YouTube Video | Duration: 04:42
SQ3R - How to study effectively (evidence based study tips)
Tab: Visualizing
This strategy involves creating a mental image of the information being read. By visualizing
the information, the reader can better remember and understand the material. This method is
very effective for use when reading is challenging or during moments of high stress. The video
that follows will give you an insight into why instructors use this strategy to teach content. As
you listen to the video, think about how you can use this strategy to enhance your own reading
approach.
The article “How to Teach Visualization in Reading” provides strategies and activities for
teachers to help their students improve their reading comprehension through visualization.
The article begins by defining visualization as the process of creating mental images while
reading and explaining its importance for comprehension. The article then offers various
strategies for teaching visualization, such as using sensory images, guided imagery, and
drawing. The article also provides sample activities that teachers can use in their classrooms,
such as “Picture Perfect,” “Sensory Bin,” and “Mystery Box.” The article concludes by
emphasizing the importance of teaching visualization and how it can help students become
more engaged and successful readers.
The below video illustrates the method.
What is the Reading Comprehension Strategy Visualizing and Verbalizing?
YouTube Video | Duration: 04:38
What is the Reading Comprehension Strategy Visualizing and Verbalizing?
Tab: Simplify and summarize
This strategy involves restating the main points of the material in the reader's own words.
Translating the main points into your own words forces you to break down complex ideas and
concepts into simple language that you can then understand and remember more easily.
One of the most popular learning strategies that employs this method is called the Feynman
technique. Richard Feynman (1918-1988) was an American physicist and Nobel Prize
laureate known for his contributions to quantum mechanics, particle physics, and the
development of the atomic bomb during World War II. He was also known for his ability to
explain complex scientific concepts in simple terms, making them accessible to a wide
audience. The Feynman technique of learning is named after him, as he is credited with
developing the approach.
This strategy is illustrated in the below video. The video explains the four steps that Richard
Feynman developed for learning:
1. Choose a concept or idea that you want to understand and learn.
2. Explain the concept or idea as if you were teaching it to someone who knows nothing
about it. Use simple language and avoid technical jargon.
3. Identify areas where you struggle to explain the concept or where you use technical
terms. This helps you identify gaps in your knowledge and areas that require further
study.
4. Revise your explanation and simplify it further until you can explain the concept in plain
language without using technical terms.
In the video, Thomas Frank talks about various tips and techniques for students to improve
their studying and learning habits, one of which is the Feynman technique. It effectively
illustrates how the various learning techniques can be effectively applied to improve reading.
How to Learn Faster with the Feynman Technique (Example Included)
YouTube Video | Duration: 05:48
How to Learn Faster with the Feynman Technique (Example Included)
Tab: Annotating
This strategy involves marking the text with notes, highlighting important information, and
underlining key points. This helps the reader engage with the text more actively and also
provides a useful reference for future study.
The below video by Long Beach City College provides a comprehensive guide to effective
annotation techniques. It starts with an explanation of what annotations are and why they are
important for reading comprehension. The video then goes on to describe various annotation
methods, such as underlining, highlighting, circling, and taking notes in the margins. It also
covers how to use symbols and abbreviations to simplify the annotation process.
The video emphasizes the importance of active reading and encourages students to engage
with the text by asking questions, making connections, and drawing conclusions. It also
provides tips for selecting the most important information to annotate and offers suggestions
for how to organize annotations.
Overall, annotating is a great tool for students looking to improve their reading comprehension
and develop effective annotation strategies. In the module that follows (Module 6: Effective
Note-Taking), we shall explore annotation further.
Quick Guide Annotations
YouTube Video | Duration: 04:19
Quick Guide Annotations
Module Summary
In conclusion, effective reading in higher education will demand that you understand the type of
materials that you are being asked to read and then apply the strategy that you find most effective to
learn the content. In this module, we outlined the type of content that you will encounter, as well as
the basic approach to reading (previewing, reading, reviewing, and questioning) this content. We also
discussed the barriers to academic reading and the support available on campus.
Having completed the module, my hope for you is that you have gained some new strategies that you
will apply to help you save time and get more out of the time that you do spend reading.
Key Takeaways
Reading with purpose is not the same as leisurely reading.
Reading with purpose is an important skill for university students.
Material complexity can be managed with a good reading strategy.
Common barriers to reading comprehension can be minimized by seeking out support services.
Graded Assessments
Module 5 Discussion: Reading with Purpose
Discussion activities are an important part of your learning process and you should actively
participate in them. Please follow the instructions and requirements listed below. Make sure
your contributions are meaningful so that all participants can benefit from them.
You can access the discussion boards from the Communication menu in your D2L course.
Instructions
Using what you have learned in this module, post a 300–500 word answer to the questions
below; then read and respond to the discussion posts from two other classmates.
Post your answers and responses to the discussion board “Module 5: Reading with
Purpose Discussion” in D2L.
Questions
After working through the module content, respond to the following questions:
1. What are your biggest challenges with reading either for school, work or personal
development?
2. Which strategy/strategies outlined would help you to become more effective at reading
to achieve your academic/work goals?
Please ensure that your discussion postings adhere to
the participation and etiquette guidelines listed in your Course Outline.
Reading with Purpose Reflection
In 300–500 words, please answer the following questions. Post your answers to the “Module
5: Reading with Purpose Reflection” submission space in D2L.
Having reflected on the reading skills/technique through the module, please answer the
following questions:
1. Do you need to make some changes in the way you read your textbooks?
2. How can you use your learning style to improve reading motivation and
comprehension?
You can access the reflection submission space from the Assessment menu in your D2L
course.
References
Ellis, D. (2017). The essential guide to becoming a master student. Cengage Learning., Chapter
4: Reading
Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner: An Overview. Theory Into
Practice, 41:2, 64-70, DOI: 10.1207/s15430421tip41022
