This is an image of the Lipan Apache Women Defense virtual network which exists in cyber space. It is a glimpse into Indigenous women's social networking in late capitalism, operating on the ground, in real lived experiences, from two border regions: Texas-Mexico and Washington-Canada. This gives a window into the many intersectional paths of Indigenous women's international, national, local resistances to colonialism in late capital and neoliberalism.Each year thousands of college students complain about reading, and groan over the amount of reading required to master new concepts and ideas. I want to share some really do-able and simple things that you can do to help your comprehension and efficiency improve.
Think about the reasons you are pursuing an academic degree. You may want to have visual associations with you nearby when you are doing difficult reading. It helps to remember why you chose this path to higher learning. (I often keep pictures nearby of my family and community members from home who are struggling for rights and struggling against immeasurable obstacles--and their smiles!!) Figure out 'who' motivates and inspires you to continue growing in mind, spirit and heart. I often say, my education is for my community. Who is yours' for?
1. Again, it is important to learn how to (pardon the expression) 'gut' the text.
2. Bring a spirit of curiosity to your reading experience. Stay curious about each new page and how each author brings a different set of skills to the page.
3. You will be surprised what a positive attitude will do in a short amount of time.
Repeat this phrase to yourself when you feel irritable about reading: "I chose this because I need to learn _________. All good outcomes require new skills gained in increments. As I read this text, I am growing."
4. If you are tired, go and get some water and do some stretching. Hydrating your body and your brain are important to feeling good about sitting. However, sitting too long can reduce circulation to your brain. Chew some gum! Gum does increase circulation to the brain. Also, dark chocolate is proven to stimulate positive blood circulation and aids retention of concepts. (Yum!)
5. Sit in a favorite chair in good lighting that makes you feel positive about the activity of reading and learning.
6. Feel good about taking time to structure your reading time, and for taking control over your learning!
7. Tools matter: Have a clean notepad/spiral/journal and a good writing pen and highlighter near you. In other words: get yourself prepared ahead of time so that your reading experience is uncluttered and flows.
7. Before you get started, Set out some goals for yourself while you are scanning the doc. How many pages is this text? I will read _____ pages in the first sitting, and so I will not allow myself to delve into any one section too long. (I can come back to re-read that later during my project, for deeper learning). Be realistic in goal setting!!: "I have to do laundry before ____; I am going to give myself one hour of reading time and take a break, do some other tasks, and then read for __________ until ____________. Set out your reading time and stick with your allotted time. Your comprehension and retention will improve.
STEPS:
1. Quickly scan the entire document for structure, tone, style. Subtitles? How do they inform the author's guidance to the reader? If you need to keep a dictionary near, or a dictionary page open on your compter--do so!
2. Look for key words, repeated phrases. Use these as 'footholds.'
3. Look for important transition phrases between paragraphs, and clues for arguments being put forth. "I am arguing..." and "In other words,..." are helpful devices authors use to keep their reader moving forward.
4. Do not read word for word. However, read with care.
8. Do not highlight large passages. Rather, highlight a key statement within a critical passage. Mark it with a sticky tab, and refer to that page in a notepad. Make a statement about your opinion or 'aha!' moment on that issue/concern. Move forward.
9. Mark out at least 3 key areas in one text that you wish to 'mark' your understanding of that document.
10. REWARD YOURSELF when you complete your reading goals! Each step is a step in gaining confidence, self-assurance, time management skills, and, yes, self-discipline. REWARD yourself for each step along the path to academic success! Enjoy!
Think about the reasons you are pursuing an academic degree. You may want to have visual associations with you nearby when you are doing difficult reading. It helps to remember why you chose this path to higher learning. (I often keep pictures nearby of my family and community members from home who are struggling for rights and struggling against immeasurable obstacles--and their smiles!!) Figure out 'who' motivates and inspires you to continue growing in mind, spirit and heart. I often say, my education is for my community. Who is yours' for?
1. Again, it is important to learn how to (pardon the expression) 'gut' the text.
2. Bring a spirit of curiosity to your reading experience. Stay curious about each new page and how each author brings a different set of skills to the page.
3. You will be surprised what a positive attitude will do in a short amount of time.
Repeat this phrase to yourself when you feel irritable about reading: "I chose this because I need to learn _________. All good outcomes require new skills gained in increments. As I read this text, I am growing."
4. If you are tired, go and get some water and do some stretching. Hydrating your body and your brain are important to feeling good about sitting. However, sitting too long can reduce circulation to your brain. Chew some gum! Gum does increase circulation to the brain. Also, dark chocolate is proven to stimulate positive blood circulation and aids retention of concepts. (Yum!)
5. Sit in a favorite chair in good lighting that makes you feel positive about the activity of reading and learning.
6. Feel good about taking time to structure your reading time, and for taking control over your learning!
7. Tools matter: Have a clean notepad/spiral/journal and a good writing pen and highlighter near you. In other words: get yourself prepared ahead of time so that your reading experience is uncluttered and flows.
7. Before you get started, Set out some goals for yourself while you are scanning the doc. How many pages is this text? I will read _____ pages in the first sitting, and so I will not allow myself to delve into any one section too long. (I can come back to re-read that later during my project, for deeper learning). Be realistic in goal setting!!: "I have to do laundry before ____; I am going to give myself one hour of reading time and take a break, do some other tasks, and then read for __________ until ____________. Set out your reading time and stick with your allotted time. Your comprehension and retention will improve.
STEPS:
1. Quickly scan the entire document for structure, tone, style. Subtitles? How do they inform the author's guidance to the reader? If you need to keep a dictionary near, or a dictionary page open on your compter--do so!
2. Look for key words, repeated phrases. Use these as 'footholds.'
3. Look for important transition phrases between paragraphs, and clues for arguments being put forth. "I am arguing..." and "In other words,..." are helpful devices authors use to keep their reader moving forward.
4. Do not read word for word. However, read with care.
8. Do not highlight large passages. Rather, highlight a key statement within a critical passage. Mark it with a sticky tab, and refer to that page in a notepad. Make a statement about your opinion or 'aha!' moment on that issue/concern. Move forward.
9. Mark out at least 3 key areas in one text that you wish to 'mark' your understanding of that document.
10. REWARD YOURSELF when you complete your reading goals! Each step is a step in gaining confidence, self-assurance, time management skills, and, yes, self-discipline. REWARD yourself for each step along the path to academic success! Enjoy!
