[beanny]

When I read, I have to go back for several times before I can get what it's really saying. I hate to say, but that really double or even triples my study time. Any reading tips or reading practice software to help?Appreciate any infor.

[NRSKarenRN]

If you are already in school, see if you can be tested to reading learning disability. Often community colleges may offer such testing too.

Best of luck. Google "reading comprehension problem" should come up with several helpful resources.

[studentforlife]

Our school has a study skill lab dedicated to helping students improve all aspects of their study habits. Perhaps your school has something similar?

[Wendy79]

I work as a tutor for a company which addresses this problem, but like most of us, you're probably not overburdened with wealth (a full course costs $8000-$12000); still, it works. For cheaper options, many colleges offer--in addition to the study skills labs--actual classes in academic reading, usually 1 or 2 credits, that some of my classmates say have been really helpful. All kinds of people take these classes, not just ESL or "remedial" students.

You're not alone! This is a common problem, and doesn't say anything about your intelligence or ability to become a nurse... just in case you were worried about that

[fleur-de-lis]

I have the same problem, here are my suggestions. Make sure you have a quiet place with no distractions. Even if you think you study better with TV/radio, turn them off. If you need "white noise" to block out dogs barking or something, turn on a loud fan. Then, get comfy. First read the summary at the back of the chapter, it will give you an idea of what you are in for. Also read any critical thinking or other questions that you think might be helpful. Next, go through and read the first and last sentence to each paragraph, plus anything in bold. Read them slowly and try to focus on the message they are trying to get across. For me, hilighting at this stage is not helpful because I tend to just hilight without really absorbing the material. Once you've done that, try summarizing the chapter or answering the questions in the back. Then, depending on the material, sometimes I go back and read the entire chapter, not just the 1st and last lines, and at this point I do hilight any sentence that gives me a "light bulb" moment, or helps me really understand. It seems like this process takes longer, but it saves me time in reading and re-reading the material. Basically you have to see what works for you. Good luck!

[prmenrs]

There are 2 parts to reading:

-decoding and encoding. That's "sounding it out" and spelling.

-comprehension. People who have good comprehension are able to make pictures in their minds about what they just read, and that helps the information "stick". Kinda like making a mental movie.

It sounds to me like the part you're having a problem with is the comprehension.

If they have a disabled student services office @ your school, talk to them about testing and any help you could access. If you do have a documented learning disability, you would qualify for some very helpful services and/or accomodations to help you succeed in college.

One program that might help is Lindamood-Bell. In particular, the "Visualizing/Verbalizing" portion.

http://www.lblp.com/

[schooldays]

I second what others say about testing and environment, but I sense you want some quick tips. Have realistic expectations! A textbook chapter must be attacked methodically, and it takes more than one read-thru.

• start by reading the intro and the summary, so you know what is most important
• Go through and read all section titles, see how the chapter is outlined
• Go through and do that again! (it takes only 2 minutes)
• Read each major section 2 times. Make sure you understand what every diagram and table is trying to tell you-this is usually the info you need to memorize for tests
• Read the whole chapter again if you feel the need
• Take notes in lecture
• Go home and prepare study notes combining chapter and lecture. Take what the instructor stressed, and flesh it out with the book
• Do not look in the book again after that!, except maybe to refer to those tables you need to memorize. Just study your notes.

This is what they teach in study skills classes. Do not expect to "get it" the first time you read. Good luck. Apply yourself and you will be amazed what you can learn in a short time.

P.S. In the nursing books, everything seems to flow from the physiology to me. Get that DOWN, and you will be able to pick the right answers on the tests.

[Daytonite]

I sometimes have the same problem with concentration. I can read a whole paragraph and not know anything I read. It's terrible. It's because my mind tends to wander and I daydream. It's great if I want to go into a trance and talk to spirits, but that doesn't help much when I have to study. I've given you a link. Check out the link at the site for SQ3R which is on how to read a textbook and comprehend what you read! You may find it helpful.

http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/accditg/SSindex.htm - Strategies for Success, an online primer and tutorial on how to study for students from the Alamo Community College. This is a pretty extensive resource with links on the right side of the page to click into the following subjects: learning styles, note taking, memory techniques, time management, overcoming procrastination, SQ3R (a method for getting the most out of reading your textbooks), study tips, critical thinking, preparing for tests, and oral presentations. Also, take a look at the FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions).

[Julielpn]

Daytonite~ I'm saving that to my favorites. I also need to re-vamp my reading skills. I've been diagnosed with ADHD (great! 2 semesters to go! LOL!) and am looking for ways to study and concentrate more effectively.
Thanks for the link!

[slu40]

I want to thank schooldays for your tips. I think I will apply your method this up coming semester......