Study Habits

            As I study for finals, I am reminded just how much assigned reading there has been in my classes this semester, reading that contains information that I will be tested over in the next couple of days. At the beginning of the semester I had an in-class discussion with one of my professors. He had gotten angry at the class because no one had done the assigned reading prior to class time. I proposed the argument that I often prefer to do complex readings after class discussion and lecture because it helps me understand it more. It is almost as if the lecture and notes provide an abstract to a scholarly article and then I can go and read the material with a better base understanding and make connections to discuss in the next class. This is something I have done my entire college career.

            Hearing this, my professor set me up to a challenge. He offered me extra credit if I read the reading PRIOR to class and came up with three discussion topics/questions and then discuss my experience in my weekly journal. Always willing to take advantage of extra credit, I agreed to the challenge. My journal response to him was as follows:

The motivation to read this week was the potential for extra credit by creating discussion questions based on the assigned materials gave me a little extra push to focus a little more in depth on the readings. With the knowledge that I would have to generate discussion questions, I was forced to spend more time to comprehend the material rather than simply read and it. Using a highlighter was a technique that made me slow down in my reading and spend more time with the material. Earlier this semester we discussed the benefits of reading before class versus after class. This is a good time to compare since the assignment provided opportunity and motivation to be fully read prior to discussion, and I cannot say that I experienced much difference. It did not alter my level of discussion or participation either way.

The interesting part of this experiment was that it gave me confidence that I knew the material, however, when I went to take the quiz, I received one of my lowest quiz scores of the semester. As I reflect back, I still like to stick to my methods of reading post-discussion because it ensures that I am learning it correctly. Without a base of information, I drew conclusions of my own from the information in the material, and the initial conclusions were the ones that stuck in my memory as I completed my quiz.

            This is not to say that everyone should always read post-lecture rather than prior to class. It is essential for some classes (discussion driven courses) to read prior to class time. It is to make a point that everyone has different learning and reading habits and that is okay.

Health Benefits of Reading

            Every week at my work I am required to write a health tip on the board. In the spirit of not producing a health tip for the gym this week, I would like to discuss the health benefits of being a reader. I decided to do some research and there were some quite interesting findings.

·         Readers tend to have higher vocabularies: This fact made me think, “Well, yeah, that’s obvious.” Even when readers come across a word that they are unfamiliar with, they use the context of the sentences around it to decipher the meaning of a word, thus expanding their vocabulary.

·         Readers have reduced stress levels: Though it may be difficult to think about not being stressed in a time as crazy as the holiday season or finals week, it is true that readers are typically more easily called down. The reason behind this is because they have developed strategies for calming the mind and relaxing.

·         Readers have less of a chance or having dementia: As I get older, one of the worst things I can image in losing my mind and my memory. I think it is one of the most tragic illnesses one can suffer from. Lucky for readers, studies have found a relationship between reading and a lower risk of dementia. Researchers have found that nonreaders are 18% more likely to develop the condition.

·         Readers tend to be better critical thinkers: I am curious if certain genres or types of reading has an effect on this? Do I still become a better critical thinker by reading Nicholas Sparks?

·         Building relationships between parents and children: Apparently kids and parents who read aloud together for tighter bonds than those who do not read together. Is this because they are spending time together or is it specifically due to the activity that they are doing?

·         Readers have an easier time concentrating: By reading, you are putting your brain to practice at doing an impassive activity. You are challenging the mind to read and communicate information, and this will serve you well in the long run!

These benefits are just a couple that I have found, (as if I needed more reason to enjoy reading). Spread the word to nonreaders and lets see if we can get them on our side ;)

Is There an Evolution of Readers?

            Throughout this semester, we have studied on the evolution of books and print. As the semester comes to a close, I wanted to discuss: Is there an evolution to a reader? Obviously science classes in high schools around the country teach about the evolution of humans, but is there such thing as the evolution of a reader? Are some born to like book and some are not, or does a love for books stem from something else?

            I am curious if the evolution of a reader is like the theory of human evolution. In human evolution, humans were forced to adapt to survive, creating characteristics and traits that we consider to be normal of human beings today (In simplistic terms, of course). When I think about it, reading is a necessity. This is why we start learning to read in Kindergarten, if not before. This is why there are reading portions on standardized testing and tests that exam how quickly and accurately you read aloud. If it weren’t so important, we wouldn’t have to go through all of those exams and efforts as a student.

            Yet, despite its importance, there are many people who genuinely do not enjoy reading. I am on the side of the fence that grew up as an avid reader, so I am curious WHY don’t people love it? Is it simply because it is not an interest of theirs? After all, we are all entitled to our own opinions, likes, and dislikes. Or is there a more interesting explanation for people’s varied love/hate for books?

            This is an entry of questions, questions that may irrelevant and not have an answer. I think that everyone starts at the same base level when it comes to reading. Some parents introduce their children to books and language sooner than others. This gives the brains exposure to reading, even when the child does not realize it. I also believe that people generally enjoy things that they are good at. So those who have been exposed for longer are going to be better at reading are going to enjoy it more and spend more time into doing it, therefore, getting better at in. On the flip side, individuals who initially struggle with reading are not going to enjoy it and consequentially, are not going to pursue it when they have spare time.  

Taking TIme

Blog #5:

            Today during the morning, the power went out on my entire street. The library had yet to open and my computer was dead. I tried turning on the TV and switching on lights, but all forms of electricity were not working. Unfortunately, I was unable to go back to sleep, and without a computer or a TV I had very limited options for entertainment. I decided to pull a book from my bookshelf and begin reading. The light from outside my window was sufficient enough as a brewed a cup of coffee and curled up in bed with my book.

            This is something that I have not been able to do for a very long while. I am quite often distracted with technology (relying on it for entertainment) or focused on studying and doing homework. I have not taken the opportunity put aside technology and escape into the world of a book, until this morning. And let me say, it was incredibly refreshing. The first couple hours of my day were dedicated to nothing except getting lost in the Harry Potter’s magical world as he competed in the Triwizard tournament. I had forgotten how relaxing it was to be able to read something other than a required reading for a course.

            Many college students often do not prioritize reading for pleasure. After going to class, completing homework, and studying for tests, it is common for students to simply desire to partake in something mindless, watching Netflix for example. Even if they have been readers their entire life, they do not feel like opening up a book and reading more after already have spent hours reading for a class. Because of this, many college students do no read a book for pleasure from cover to cover during their entire college career. This is something that I consider to be tragic. I did not realize it until this morning when once I decided to get ready for the day, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated even though I had woken up at an early hour. Taking time to be by your self is important, whether it is for self reflection, devotionals, or for getting cozy with a good book. I encourage everyone to set at least one day a week aside to wake up a couple hours before their meetings and classes start to spend some time with a novel and have a slow start to the day. I can guarantee that anyone who enjoys reading will have a better day because of it.