Choosing appropriate time periods for reading
The time of day you choose to do your reading is important, as it has an impact on your concentration. For example, if you have family responsibilities, reading and study time can be scheduled in the morning when the children are at school or before the children are up on weekdays, on weekends, etc. If you have a busy schedule due to your many responsibilities and you are working, it is best to plan shorter but more frequent reading periods during the week. You will need to be disciplined about how much reading you plan to do during the week.
In order to get the most out of your reading, you must carefully choose the times when you are able to concentrate easily and quickly, and this is different from person to person. To find out your capacity for attention and concentration, you will have to experiment with different ways of studying and reading, at different times, in different places. However, a well-designed reading corner contributes to better concentration.
Advantages
By choosing the times of day when you are most productive, you will be able to get the most out of your reading while making the most of your intellectual resources.
To get started
Observe how your time is spent, especially in terms of reading (for assignments, for preparation for the next lesson, for exams). Are there times of the day when you perform better? Identify it/them.
Questions to ask yourself :
- How do I plan my reading (or study) time in my schedule?
- What times of the day am I most effective at reading? Do I perform better in the morning, afternoon or evening?
- Can I take these preferences into account when planning my weekly schedule?
Sources consulted :
Ruph, F. (2010). Actualizing my Intellectual Potential. Strategies for University Learning, A Réflexion Guide. UQAT. https://web2.uqat.ca/guidestrategies/en/index.php
Mc Whorter, K.T. (2013). Academic Reading (Eighth Edition). Pearsons.
Tremblay, R.R. et Perrier, Y. (2000). Savoir Plus : Outils et méthodes de travail intellectuel. Chenelière / Mc Graw-Hill.
Ensure that reading periods are managed according to actual constraints
The management of reading time and periods varies according to the level of difficulty of the text and your availability. To do this, you must first estimate the time needed to understand the text to be read. This time may vary considerably from person to person, depending on your familiarity with the content, the amount of new concepts and the performance requirements (e.g. summarising, integrating concepts into a written assignment, becoming familiar with a chapter). You should also take into account your capacity, allowing for the most favourable moments to concentrate on reading.
It is important to take a short break on a regular basis so that you are always at your best. If it is difficult for you to get going or stay focused, plan smaller chunks of work or reading. You can organise your breaks according to different sections of the text (e.g. sections of a chapter).
Advantages
By planning your schedule according to your actual availability and capacity to concentrate, you will feel more efficient and stay on top of your reading tasks.
Questions to ask yourself :
- How much time do I need to read and understand the text?
- How much time do I have to do my reading?
- What is my level of familiarity with the subject?
- What is the level of language used?
- How is the text organised?
- I identify moments to take breaks depending on how the text is organised and how long I think it will take to read it.
Pour amorcer votre démarche
It is important to check your weekly schedule and agenda for available reading times by colour coding them or blocking out reading periods. Observe the times when you are most productive intellectually, as these are the times you should set aside.
If your time is relatively limited, for example because of family responsibilities or part-time work, it is important to identify and reserve the time slots in the week when you have availability.
- In your schedule or agenda, identify the proportion of time you can devote to your reading activities.
- During your reading :
- Make your breaks coincide with coherent blocks of subjects
- Schedule your breaks at planned intervals
- Limit the length of breaks so as not to divert your attention
- Avoid using your breaks for another activity so as not to divert your attention
- s the time planned sufficient to allow me to fully understand and complete all my reading?
Sources consulted :
Bertrand, D. et Azrour, H. (2004). La gestion de la lecture. Dans Réapprendre à apprendre au collège, à l’université et en milieu de travail. Guérin éditeur.
Crépeau, N. (2010). Draft Translation of a Didactic Tool for Teaching Academic Reading Strategies. UQAT (non published).