What 'mind tools' are essential for effective study?

 

Reading any text well and effectively requires professional skills. It is imperative for every person to have a good study and reading style.

Whether the text is project planning, designing a web page, press release, email or anything else, the reading process must be excellent.

You may have trouble getting information on any subject, re-reading the same book over and over to understand it, or having trouble remembering what you read.

Siddhi.net has published some tips to become a better reader and improve the reading process.

A Pew Research Center survey shows that people are increasingly reading books on a variety of devices, not just paper.

A large amount of content is being read every day on digital newspapers, magazines, web pages, emails and social media, but print media is considered more important for reading.

Better reading and understanding of materials available in different formats requires skills that can be achieved through the use of mind tools. The ability to understand and think is improved through mind tools.

In order to get the best results from the time or effort invested in any text, it is important to use the following mind tools.

What did you read and why did you read it?

Before you start studying, ask yourself three questions: What is the purpose of the text? How useful is it? Why are you reading this?

Your answers will help you choose the most effective reading strategy. In the long run you will make better use of your time and understand and remember more of what you read.

Read the book's cover, title page, and introduction to get an overview of the content and approach.

Be sure to read the table of contents, see how the information is organized. Also indicate which section interests you the most.

These steps should ensure that you are reading something great. While reading a text, it is important to keep in mind that the purpose of reading it is to understand the information well.

Explanation of basic information

If you feel you don't need to read something in detail, find a shortcut to learn the basics. Learn chapter titles and summaries, find illustrations and graphics. This type of reading will help in understanding the material effectively.

Increased understanding

Read the introduction and summary of a book or article in detail when you only need a basic understanding.

Chapters of Katan can also be read at high speed but spend proper time on key words and concepts and make sure you don't miss any important points.

Review the text

SQ3R is a powerful technique when 'deep reading' is required for teaching or preparing for exams. That is, the technique involves scanning the material carefully, using key questions to guide, then reading, memorizing, and analyzing the text carefully.

Make sure you actually understand what you read. This increases the chances of memorizing the material.

Practice 'active reading' while saving and recording important information.

Try to write in your own words the information you are getting from reading. Interacting with others also helps to remember the material studied. So share your questions, comments and follow-ups and ideas.

Study in a pleasant environment

Always think about where and when to study to have the best chance of studying effectively.

For example, reading just before bed can be a good way to calm your mind, but it's not the best time to study deeply!

Schedule difficult tasks when your mind is fully awake.

Make sure your reading environment is comfortable. Find a distraction-free place where the space, temperature, and lighting are conducive to focusing on reading.