Over the past few readings, we were asked to use the SQ4R method as a strategy while reading. One big thing that this method caused me to do while reading was pause. Oftentimes when I read, I will skip headings and use the first and last paragraphs of sections to give me an idea of what the author was trying to portray and what the section was focusing on. Using SQ4R, I was forced to pause and consider the titles of the different sections. I then was able to formulate a question regarding what the title was, and then later reflect on and answer the question. This process made me slow down and consider what I was reading and led to me being able to have a conversation with myself regarding the topic.
The SQ4R method also helped me with the forum questions and discussions. Typically when completing assignments like this, I would have to fins the section that related to the question and re skim it to find an answer. With the SQ4R method, I was able to reference my notes that answered the questions from the headings. These notes sparked my memory and referenced the important aspects of what I read so that I was able to spend more time engaging with the questions and reflections and less time searching in the article for the answers.
One thing I feel that I need to continue working on is writing on sticky notes and not just underlining key points. I think building this habit will help me by forcing me to rewrite the key points in my own words rather than underlining or highlighting the author's words. This makes me take time to engage with the text and interpret it instead of mindlessly underlining. Taking notes will also help me be a more creative reader because it allows me to create my own understanding of what I am reading whereas underlining simply emphasizes the author's words.
A habit I need to build to help me engage in discussions with my classmates is forming my own opinions or thought before reading their discussion posts/engaging in discussion with them. When replying to others' posts, I sometimes found it hard to add on to their ideas and share my own if I went right into reading their thoughts before developing my own. I think developing the habit of taking time to process my own thoughts will allow me to produce better responses and create discussions with my peers.
Ah! Thank you so much for changing the template for your blog Adeline. It was such a pleasure to read this entry. I particularly appreciate your awareness that as you are reading it is not only useful to use the elements of SQ4R as a means to help you independently understand what you are reading in the moment, but also to help you prepare to discuss your understandings with your peers when you come to class each week.
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