Page 104 - DENG102_COMMUNICATION_SKILLS_II

Unit 6: Reading Skills- To Enhance Independent Reading

Deciding Priorities of retention notes

The human mind has the capability to retain vast amount of information. At the same time, it
is difficult to recall information from various layers of access. Hence, the closer to the surface
that information lies, the earlier it is to recall the same. For this, the reader should decide his
priorities of retention. Instead of retaining irrelevant information in his mind, he should store
and concentrate only on priority areas.

thinking

If the reader wants to retain reading material, he must think about it. If one applies the mind with
regard to significance of reading material, its relationship with one’s knowledge, utility for future
reference etc., will automatically contribute to his retention. Linking the read material with some
personal experiences and persons, helps retain the same.

reinforcing

Reinforcement means to concretize in the mind, what has been read and learnt. This improves
retention ability. A few tips for reinforcement are as follows:
l Brief notes should be prepared and periodical reviews of such notes should be done.

l After reading, the speaker should speak to someone and explain in his own words, what
he has learnt.
l For improving the quality of repetitive input, the materials read should be supplemented by
audio-visuals, lectures, discussions, etc.

l The read information should be related with other material and should not be considered
as an end only.

ensuring Determination

It is rightly said, “Where there is a will there is a way.” A final set of procedures for retention
involves the commitment to retain knowledge. While reading, an individual may get a lot of
information; but he will keep only that piece of information, which he intends to retain. If an
individual does not have the will to retain, retention is impossible.

self assessment

Fill in the blanks:
15. ………………… is the store house of our experiences and learning.
16. ………………… means to concretize in the mind, what has been read and learnt.

6.8 summary

l Reading is one of the four communication skills; the other three being writing, speaking and
listening. The components of reading skills are reading speed, comprehension, efficiency
and retention. Reading speed is defined in terms of words read per minute.

l Comprehension is the ability to understand anything after it is read. It is important to have
good ability to comprehend along with quick reading.
l Reading efficiency is calculated by multiplying reading speed with comprehension
ability.

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