The problem this solves
“I want to read more books but I read slowly. Is speed reading the answer?”
Primary keyword: speed reading myth
What you'll learn
- What speed-reading programs actually train
- Why fast readers often understand less
- Three habits that beat raw speed
- A monthly reading-review instead of a finish-count
The science behind it: Deep Encoding Strategies
Encoding strategies are the techniques learners use to give new material meaning at the moment of study: connecting it to prior knowledge, imagery, emotion, or action.
Why it matters
How you encode determines what you will later be able to retrieve; shallow encoding (rote reading) yields shallow memory, deep encoding yields durable, flexible memory.
How to apply it
- Rephrase new material in your own words before moving on.
- Connect each new idea to at least one thing you already know.
- Generate examples from your own life that illustrate the new concept.
Common mistakes
- Re-reading the same sentences multiple times instead of re-encoding.
- Highlighting and underlining without actively elaborating.
- Treating passive note-taking as encoding, when notes are only useful if reviewed and reworked.
Read the full concept: Deep Encoding Strategies.
Where this fits
Part of module A New Way to Learn.
More articles in this module
- Why You Forget What You Study : how to remember what you study
- Learning Is a Skill, Not a Talent : is learning a skill or a talent
- What Learning Really Is (And Why It Matters) : what is learning
- Learning Styles Are a Myth. Here's What Actually Works : learning styles debunked
- The 'Multiple Intelligences' Idea Is Not What You Think : multiple intelligences myth