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Essay / Strategic Basis - Speed Reading - 1650
Strategic BasisSpeed reading is an approach that allows readers to absorb large amounts of information in a short period of time. It is used to increase reading efficiency, speed and comprehension. This is not done simply by forcing yourself to read as quickly as possible, as this will have limited success. Speed reading involves a complete transformation of the way one reads, or at least the way a person takes in information. Beginning in childhood, most people learn to read aloud and then learn to read in the same way, but silently (Cutler, 2002). The problem is that readers are limited to reading speeds comparable to their vocalizing speeds. Subsequently, most readers will never reach a reading rate above 150-250 words per minute (Culter, 2002). Speed reading is a complete change in technique and input, and learning it requires some discipline. The primary goal of a fast reader is to shift from using auditory to visual memory (Cutler, 2002). In other words, fast readers do not read individual words, but rather see groups of words in the same way that a normal person would see a picture (Cutler, 2002). It is necessary to practice exercises in order to expand peripheral vision, control eye fixation, strengthen the eye muscles and learn to read without subvocalization. Subvocalization (silent vocalization of words), vocalization (actual reading of words out loud), poor eye movement, and poor vision span are the main barriers to speed reading (Cutler, 2002). Although there are other weaknesses, these are the main obstacles for speed readers. These problems can be overcome through work, but they must be overcome before serious progress can be made. One of the exercises that can help readers overcome subvocalization...... in the middle of the article...... although it is perhaps less measurable, the student himself will notice a change. Progress will be evident as he or she completes reading assignments in less time and discovers that more free time has become available. For the average student, this is probably the most pragmatic reason to learn to read faster. ReferencesAmoriggi, H. and Shaw, K. (2006). Can SpeedReading/eSpeedReading skills training improve the overall learning/eLearning productivity of 21st century medical students and surgical residents? International Journal of Learning, 12(12), 157-170. Retrieved from the Education Research Complete database. Cutler, W.E. (2002). Triple Your Reading Speed, Fourth Edition (4 ed.). New York: Pocket. Ding, J. (2008). Quick reading: Importance and skills. Teaching Chinese American English, 5(8), 24-28. Retrieved from Education Research's comprehensive database.