Listen here:
Welcome to Part 3 of the Dyslexic Student Social Worker. This post will provide you with tips and tricks on how to make reading easier and how to become a more effective reader during your studies.
Reading
Well, what can I say here really?
Reading can be our biggest strength and a challenge. I find that dyslexic characteristic such as abstract thinking, seeing the bigger picture and making links (strengths) are something that sets us aside from others and enables us to create really engaging, in depth and interesting pieces of work to make similarly interesting conversations and discussions.
With this being said, to create these pieces of work and to engage in these captivating conversations, it often takes labours hour of reading which can be draining and give us a bit of a headache.
So, over time and with support of peers, I devised these skills whilst studying. Which I still use to this day.
Try multiple texts at once- Dyslexics often have a short-term working memory, which means that if we read a text for too long we will lose focus, read on ‘autopilot’ (I often realise I am reading words instead of sentences as I’m actually just daydreaming about what I want for dinner), or we give up entirely. And because we need quick, immediate and preferably visual gratification, we often get bored by persevering with one text at a time. However, do not fear, one way around this is to alternate between two chapters / books or articles. When reading multiple text, try to read one paragraph, summarise it, have a break, and then flip to another text you are working on. This might sound confusing (and perhaps it is to the non- dyslexic), but we dyslexics often excel at multidimensional or ‘multiframework approaches’ that ‘engage [our] ability to see interconnections’ (Eide and Eide, 2011, p.174). This approach allows you to pursue multiple interests at once, ‘resets’ your concentration, this multidimensional or ‘multiframework approach helps us sustain focus whilst also covering a lot of ground. So give it a go!
Active reading- Be mindful and active about what you are reading. Before you open a book or article, think about why you are reading the text and write yourself some questions:
What do you already know about the topic?
What do you want to find out?
How are you going to use your knowledge?
Be a selective reader- Check out the contents page/table of a book to find the section you want. You don’t have to read a whole book to inform your essay/placement. Read the abstract of a journal article to decide if it holds information you need or informs your essay. It can be draining reading several articles that are not as promising as the title makes out.
Break your reading down- Read one paragraph at a time, do not set your goal as finishing a whole article as these can be information heavy and you may need time to digest and reflect on the information. Have a break after each paragraph to answer any questions you had noted to answer.
Use your own words- Use your own words if you want to note down an interesting idea. It’s easier to remember your own words as opposed to someone else’s.
Time- Give yourself enough time to read things and re-read them if necessary. This will also make reading more relaxing and enjoyable.
Visual stress- Use a coloured overlay when reading hard copy documents as it helps reduce visual stress. If reading off a computer, download a coloured tint.
Be reading smart- Do not diarise too much reading on the same day, this will tire your brain and you will end up reading words and not sentences. Make sure you spread reading tasks out.
Over the time I have studied and read to inform my practice, I have found that if I discuss my reading and the information from the paper or book with my partner, my family or my friends, I am more able to memorise the information. I believe this is because I am actively using, relaying and reformulating the information. Therefore the information and my newly acquired knowledge is not sitting idly by and instead I am trying to rephrase the information and explain it to individuals who do not work within a children and families social work setting.
I hope you are able to use at least one tip or trick from this blog post to assist you in your studies. If you have any tips which I have not mentioned, please get in contact, leave a comment or share on your own social media.
Thank you for reading and look out for episode 4 of the Dyslexic Student Social Worker!
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