Students:
Volume

Students: 
Format

STUDENTS:  FORMAT

The FORMAT of the text is confusing to me.

We do not read a science book the way we read a psychology book or a novel, a poem, a webpage or any of many dozens of other types of print.  Several factors guide our decision making as far as HOW we read a particular text (text = print).  One critical factor is the FORMAT of the reading.  To make the best choices regarding the strategies you need to employ on any given piece of text, it is important to make a habit of the following:

1)  Preview the text.

	Note the type of writing (genre) - narrative (story-like) or expository (information).  The types of processing you need to do during reading are dictated by the type of writing you are reading.
	If narrative, you are noting story grammar:  characters, setting, plot, themes
	If expository, you are noting:  main ideas, key vocabulary, timelines

	Previewing the text would include noting any tables, charts, or graphs that add to or illustrate the key concepts.
	Once you have looked through the reading, select the type of graphic organizer that will allow you to gather and synthesize the information.  Use STICKY notes within the pages of your text to clarify vocabulary or unfamiliar terms and to summarize key concepts AS YOU READ.
	Be aware of CDs, websites, or other features of textbooks that might be available to you  (including audio formats)

Strategies for Understand Text Format:

Each of these links provides students with direct experiences and practice with the changing reading strategies based on the format of the text.  Students should then apply these strategies  in texts for current courses they are taking and use the appropriate strategy to for better comprehension. 

• Text Book Format

• Flip the Format

• Reading Texts and Novels

• Strategies for Students:  Understanding how Format of Text Effects Comprehension

• Skimming Strategies

• SQ3R for Deep Comprehension
• Dealing with Textbook Format (PowerPoint presentation)
• Format Effects Understanding:  Strategies for Managing Format of Text
• How to Plan a Power Point Presentation Using Textbooks Research Tips

Resources:

• Critical Thinking:  http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/ACCDitg/SSCT.htm

• Textbook Reading Strategies:  http://www.ccis.edu/departments/writingcenter/studyskills/reading.html

• Promoting Reading Strategies for Math Textbooks:  http://www.nade.net/documents/SCP97/SCP97.2.pdf

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