Reading Assignments: Crash Course Study Skills #2

Summary

In this Crash Course Study Skills video, Thomas Frank addresses the challenge of managing extensive reading assignments by suggesting strategies to prioritize and selectively read. He debunks the myth of speed reading beyond 400 words per minute, given human visual and cognitive limitations. Frank recommends practicing reading, setting time goals, and using the 'Morse Code Method' for note-taking. He also introduces active reading techniques like SQ3R to enhance comprehension and retention.

Takeaways

• 📚 It's impossible to read all assigned pages, and that's okay.
• ⏱️ Focus on boosting your reading speed and remembering more of what you read.
• ❓ Not all assigned readings are necessary; prioritize based on importance.
• 📖 Use Cal Newport’s framework: prioritize main textbook readings over supplemental ones.
• ⚖️ Learn to skim and identify key concepts and vocabulary to save time.
• 🚫 Speed reading claims are mostly myths; human reading speed has limits.
• 👀 Understanding how the eye processes text helps explain reading speed limits.
• 💭 Working memory constraints affect reading comprehension and speed.
• 🏃 Practice reading frequently to improve speed and comprehension.
• 🖊️ Highlighting selectively and using the Morse Code Method can aid in remembering key ideas.
• 📝 Active reading (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) enhances retention.
• 📑 Summarizing and taking notes are effective for retaining big concepts and details.

Q & A

What is the bad news that Thomas Frank starts with in the video?

The bad news is that the little voice in your head telling you it's impossible to read all the assigned pages is correct, implying that the task of reading extensive material can be overwhelming.

What is the good news Thomas Frank offers as a counterpoint to the bad news?

The good news is that the video will provide strategies on how to maximize the efficiency of reading assignments by boosting reading speed and improving memory retention.

What is the first question Thomas Frank asks viewers about their syllabus?

He asks whether they actually need to do all the reading assigned on their syllabus.

Why is it not necessary to do all the assigned readings according to Thomas Frank?

It's not necessary because time is limited, and there are other commitments and overlaps between book content and lectures that compete for attention.

According to Cal Newport's framework, how should students prioritize their readings?

Students should prioritize readings from the class's favored source, typically the main textbook, and be more selective with supplemental readings, prioritizing arguments over descriptions and context.

What are the physical limitations of the human eye that affect reading speed?

The limitations include the small size of the fovea, which requires quick jerky movements called saccades and pauses called fixations to process text, setting a speed limit for visual text processing.

What is the average reading speed for skilled, college-level readers?

Skilled, college-level readers can expect to read between 200-400 words per minute.

Why are some speed reading techniques ineffective according to the video?

Techniques such as increasing the amount of text processed during each fixation, RSVP, and eliminating subvocalization have been scientifically tested and found to be ineffective due to physical and cognitive constraints.

What is the 'Morse Code Method' suggested by Cal Newport for note-taking while reading?

The Morse Code Method involves drawing a dot in the margin next to a sentence that presents a significant idea and a dash for an example or explanation that supports the previous idea, allowing for efficient note-taking and review.

What does the acronym SQ3R stand for and how does it relate to active reading?

SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. It is a system for active reading that involves pre-reading, formulating questions, reading, taking notes or summarizing, and reviewing to enhance understanding and retention.

What is the main advice Thomas Frank gives for improving reading skills?

The main advice is to practice reading often and widely with suitably difficult material, set time goals to stay focused, and use techniques like the pseudo-skimming method and SQ3R for better comprehension.