Whether you prefer more traditional books or classroom study, or wish to study online, there are a variety of programs for speed reading. All of these methods are effective in their own right with some having advantages over others. Which method you prefer is down to the individual and their budget to a large extent.
Studying speed reading in a classroom or seminar type of environment is still popular for a lot of people and has both advantages and disadvantages over the other methods. Smaller groups and one to one tutoring is a big advantage but a lot of these type of courses have larger class sizes. The smaller the size of the class the more it will cost in most cases and you may have to travel to attend.
Those of us who prefer the more hands on type of learning where you can ask questions and receive immediate answers tend to lean towards classroom learning.
Books are a good way to self study and have been used for centuries to do just that. Usually fairly cheap, they allow the flexibility for anyone to study at their own pace and in surroundings of their choosing. There are some drawbacks. Books are not as versatile as other forms of learning as they cannot be altered and tend to be less visually pleasing. Also less interactive, books do not allow the reader to question a teacher if they have trouble understanding when being used for self study.
Traditional book learning is slowly being overtaken by the use of computers and the internet where visualization and flexibility of learning are easier to control.
Online studying is becoming more and more popular as time passes. The variety and content of online courses can be altered easily to maintain a students interest and can be changed quickly. Referencing other works is also far easier as they are only a click away through a link. These courses are often cheaper as they do not need an active teacher to present them. The need for both computer and internet access is a possible drawback but the modern generation has grown up in a computer world. Questions cannot be answered immediately in most online courses but you can normally receive a reply within a decent time frame.
The internet is fast becoming part of modern life and is having an increasing roll in education. This is the chosen method of learning of the newer generations. Programs for speed reading are available online at reasonable prices.
For more information about speed reading programs online visit How to Increase Speed Reading.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Improve Comprehension With A Speed Reading Course
There is, and always has been, a link between the speed at which we read and what we actually learn from reading. A variety of studies have been conducted to establish how much it is possible to improve comprehension with a speed reading course. There is a limit but that limit depends on the person and what they are reading.
Studying for a school exam or work related course usually requires a much higher degree of comprehension than most other reading that we do and it will suffer if you try and read too quickly. we actually need to understand what we read under these circumstances and speed reading is not necessarily beneficial. There are some aspects that will help as the basics assist all types of reading.
Reading a novel, book of fiction, magazine or newspaper, does not require the same level of understanding and speed reading is of much more use for this type of more casual reading. Here comprehension is not as critical and skimming some of the content will still convey the main points of the book or article being read.
The average reading speed of an adult is between 200 and 250 words per minute, where as the average reading speed of contestants in speed reading contests is typically between 1000 and 2000 words per minute. Reading at that speed equates to roughly a 50% comprehension which is deemed acceptable for learning by some educationalists and unacceptable by others. Reading highly detailed books for an exam would probably not be advisable if you will only understand 50% of it. You could read it four or five times in the same time it takes an average reader though, which might increase the percentage to a closer level but this defeats the purpose of speed reading.
In 1990 the fastest known reader was Howard Stephen Berg who was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records with a reading speed of 25,000 words per minute. He was tested on several television shows at the time and read books of various lengths with perfect recall. He is an exception by any standard and there are a number gifted individuals with what would be termed photographic memory.
Whatever the questions or debates surrounding reading speeds, it is perceived that you can improve comprehension with a speed reading course as the vast majority of us do not read under ideal conditions, and such courses help to define bad reading habits as well as better techniques.
More information on speed reading courses can be found at How to Improve Speed Reading.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Studying for a school exam or work related course usually requires a much higher degree of comprehension than most other reading that we do and it will suffer if you try and read too quickly. we actually need to understand what we read under these circumstances and speed reading is not necessarily beneficial. There are some aspects that will help as the basics assist all types of reading.
Reading a novel, book of fiction, magazine or newspaper, does not require the same level of understanding and speed reading is of much more use for this type of more casual reading. Here comprehension is not as critical and skimming some of the content will still convey the main points of the book or article being read.
The average reading speed of an adult is between 200 and 250 words per minute, where as the average reading speed of contestants in speed reading contests is typically between 1000 and 2000 words per minute. Reading at that speed equates to roughly a 50% comprehension which is deemed acceptable for learning by some educationalists and unacceptable by others. Reading highly detailed books for an exam would probably not be advisable if you will only understand 50% of it. You could read it four or five times in the same time it takes an average reader though, which might increase the percentage to a closer level but this defeats the purpose of speed reading.
In 1990 the fastest known reader was Howard Stephen Berg who was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records with a reading speed of 25,000 words per minute. He was tested on several television shows at the time and read books of various lengths with perfect recall. He is an exception by any standard and there are a number gifted individuals with what would be termed photographic memory.
Whatever the questions or debates surrounding reading speeds, it is perceived that you can improve comprehension with a speed reading course as the vast majority of us do not read under ideal conditions, and such courses help to define bad reading habits as well as better techniques.
More information on speed reading courses can be found at How to Improve Speed Reading.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Speed Reading, Download or Traditional Learning?
Improving reading is something that we all wish we could do, as the better we are at it the more knowledge we acquire. Traditional learning involving a classroom or seminar is one way to increase both reading speed and comprehension, but an increasing number of people are looking towards the internet for their learning, and there are courses that can be found as downloads on speed reading.
The main advantage of online courses are their flexibility and versatility. Learning is very much tied to whatever content is available and more traditional approaches are somewhat restricted as course materials can often be bulky and not very versatile. Carrying a bag full of books around all day is not one of life's favorite tasks.
Online courses can be simply downloaded to a desktop or laptop computer where they take up nothing but hard drive space. No need to find room on a bookshelf as the files are easily and readily available at all times. You do need an internet connection to conduct the actual download but once you have the course on your computer it stays there until you decide to remove it.
A large number of online courses can also be obtained on cd or dvd if you have a slower internet connection that is not convenient to use for any larger types of file download. Simply order the software from whatever website you are browsing and install it on your computer. Once you have the software loaded you can conduct parts of the course online where your connection speed will not be as much of a hindrance.
Online learning is much more versatile than more traditional methods as content is easily changed and graphics are generally of a higher quality. The almost unlimited availability of room on a website allows for larger courses to be easily catered for, but there is one drawback in that most courses of this nature do require a little time to obtain answers to any questions the learner may have. Traditional learning tends to be teacher led where questions are easily answered.
Make sure that you research any product you purchase online just as you would offline as there are any number of not so good products on the market. Downloads are becoming increasingly popular in a lot of fields not just speed reading.
Learn more about speed reading and online courses at How to Increase Speed Reading
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
The main advantage of online courses are their flexibility and versatility. Learning is very much tied to whatever content is available and more traditional approaches are somewhat restricted as course materials can often be bulky and not very versatile. Carrying a bag full of books around all day is not one of life's favorite tasks.
Online courses can be simply downloaded to a desktop or laptop computer where they take up nothing but hard drive space. No need to find room on a bookshelf as the files are easily and readily available at all times. You do need an internet connection to conduct the actual download but once you have the course on your computer it stays there until you decide to remove it.
A large number of online courses can also be obtained on cd or dvd if you have a slower internet connection that is not convenient to use for any larger types of file download. Simply order the software from whatever website you are browsing and install it on your computer. Once you have the software loaded you can conduct parts of the course online where your connection speed will not be as much of a hindrance.
Online learning is much more versatile than more traditional methods as content is easily changed and graphics are generally of a higher quality. The almost unlimited availability of room on a website allows for larger courses to be easily catered for, but there is one drawback in that most courses of this nature do require a little time to obtain answers to any questions the learner may have. Traditional learning tends to be teacher led where questions are easily answered.
Make sure that you research any product you purchase online just as you would offline as there are any number of not so good products on the market. Downloads are becoming increasingly popular in a lot of fields not just speed reading.
Learn more about speed reading and online courses at How to Increase Speed Reading
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Reading Speed Software, Does It Work
There is a wide variety of reading speed software available online but you need to be careful which one you choose as some are merely regurgitated versions of other software. Most guides do contain some useful information but there are those that contain little of use and mostly filled with either bad information or fluff.
The better quality software programs guide you through the process and begin with the basics, such as having your eyes tested to check your eyesight, as this is a major cause of slow reading and bad comprehension. Any reading speed software should cover some basic principles before expanding into the more detailed ways of increasing ones speed.
These types of software do work for most people but you will not be able to increase your reading speed to the levels that some claim. It is not unusual for someone to double or possibly triple their reading speed using such software but be wary of those that claim that they can multiply your speed by ten times or more. Average reading speed is between 200 and 250 words per minute.
How you read is the common denominator in most programs with posture, eyesight, being well rested and reading in a quiet environment, being the most common basic things that anyone can do to improve both reading speed and comprehension. A lot of the software programs have a speed reading test that you can take and this test should vary each time you take it.
The most common more advanced reading methods target:
Subvocalization - The internal speech made when reading words. Re-Reading - Reading the same sentence or part of a sentence over again to try and gain better understanding. Chunking - The amount of text read at one time, typically four or five words. Skimming - Trying to read only the details that are required to understand the topic and not all of the words.
Any good reading speed software should target most if not all of these topics and should demonstrate how to improve the ones it covers. This software does work but it also requires effort on behalf of the person using it.
For more information on speed reading visit How to Increase Speed Reading.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
The better quality software programs guide you through the process and begin with the basics, such as having your eyes tested to check your eyesight, as this is a major cause of slow reading and bad comprehension. Any reading speed software should cover some basic principles before expanding into the more detailed ways of increasing ones speed.
These types of software do work for most people but you will not be able to increase your reading speed to the levels that some claim. It is not unusual for someone to double or possibly triple their reading speed using such software but be wary of those that claim that they can multiply your speed by ten times or more. Average reading speed is between 200 and 250 words per minute.
How you read is the common denominator in most programs with posture, eyesight, being well rested and reading in a quiet environment, being the most common basic things that anyone can do to improve both reading speed and comprehension. A lot of the software programs have a speed reading test that you can take and this test should vary each time you take it.
The most common more advanced reading methods target:
Subvocalization - The internal speech made when reading words. Re-Reading - Reading the same sentence or part of a sentence over again to try and gain better understanding. Chunking - The amount of text read at one time, typically four or five words. Skimming - Trying to read only the details that are required to understand the topic and not all of the words.
Any good reading speed software should target most if not all of these topics and should demonstrate how to improve the ones it covers. This software does work but it also requires effort on behalf of the person using it.
For more information on speed reading visit How to Increase Speed Reading.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
How to Increase Speed Reading
There are many courses, both online and off, that can show you how to increase speed reading, but there are several things that you can do to increase the speed at which you read without spending any money. Improving your reading can also lead to better comprehension of what you read, although some say that reading too quickly will decrease the amount that you will actually absorb.
Reading is something that we all have to be able to do in our daily lives and there are some simple things that we can do to make our reading easier. Comprehension should also improve as the following tips not only allow for better reading but a better understanding of what you read.
Squinting or needing to have a book or magazine close to your eyes is a sure sign that you need to pay a visit to an optometrist and have an eye exam. You should have your vision checked on a regular basis as a general health tip but if you are struggling with reading you may need glasses or have some other eye problem.
Do your reading somewhere that you find comfortable and with as few distractions as possible. Reading at home may not be possible because of family interruptions or other concerns. The local library is a quiet place to read if you cannot find the peace that you need at home.
Reduce noise to a minimum. Turn off the television or the stereo and read without the possibility of becoming side tracked by whatever comes on the screen.
Try and read when your mind is most receptive. The majority of people read better in the morning after having a good nights sleep as the body is more rested at this time of day. You may need to experiment a little to find out when reading is most appropriate for you as we all have our own more favorable conditions.
Reading in a poorly lit room and at uncomfortable angles is not good for reading speed or comprehension. Turn a light on and improve your posture for more comfortable reading. Tests show that having whatever you are reading at approximately forty five degrees is ideal for most people.
This advice is pretty much common sense but does show you how to increase speed reading and comprehension by following some basic concepts.
Learn more about speed reading at How to Increase Speed Reading.
Article Source: EzineArticle.com
Reading is something that we all have to be able to do in our daily lives and there are some simple things that we can do to make our reading easier. Comprehension should also improve as the following tips not only allow for better reading but a better understanding of what you read.
Squinting or needing to have a book or magazine close to your eyes is a sure sign that you need to pay a visit to an optometrist and have an eye exam. You should have your vision checked on a regular basis as a general health tip but if you are struggling with reading you may need glasses or have some other eye problem.
Do your reading somewhere that you find comfortable and with as few distractions as possible. Reading at home may not be possible because of family interruptions or other concerns. The local library is a quiet place to read if you cannot find the peace that you need at home.
Reduce noise to a minimum. Turn off the television or the stereo and read without the possibility of becoming side tracked by whatever comes on the screen.
Try and read when your mind is most receptive. The majority of people read better in the morning after having a good nights sleep as the body is more rested at this time of day. You may need to experiment a little to find out when reading is most appropriate for you as we all have our own more favorable conditions.
Reading in a poorly lit room and at uncomfortable angles is not good for reading speed or comprehension. Turn a light on and improve your posture for more comfortable reading. Tests show that having whatever you are reading at approximately forty five degrees is ideal for most people.
This advice is pretty much common sense but does show you how to increase speed reading and comprehension by following some basic concepts.
Learn more about speed reading at How to Increase Speed Reading.
Article Source: EzineArticle.com
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
How to Increase Speed Reading
Reading faster is achievable by just about anyone with practice and patience. How to increase speed reading effectively is open to debate. What is certain is that there are some things that anyone can do before they even consider spending money on courses or books.
Some or all of the following points should help you increase both reading speed and comprehension, the ability to absorb information that you read:
* Have your vision checked - A large number of people suffer from being unable to read effectively and quickly simply because they need glasses. You may only need glasses for reading and nothing else, but having your eyes checked regularly is good general health advice regardless of reading difficulties.
* Read when you are rested - Any number of tests have shown that reading is far more effective if you are not tired when you do it. Try and get a regular amount of sleep and study or read during the times of the day that you feel less tired. This will vary as some people feel more rested at different times of the day. Find out what works for you.
* Find somewhere quiet and peaceful - It stands to reason that you are going to read faster and understand more of what you read if you have little to no outside distractions. Turn off the television or stereo and reduce noise as much as you can.
* Read somewhere else if you have to - You may need to go somewhere else to read or study, like a library, but find somewhere where you are less likely to be distracted. Reading at home may not be possible for some and you really do need to find somewhere that is more conducive to reading.
All simple things that can show you how to increase speed reading, and with some effort on your part, you should be able to read easier and faster.
More information is available at How to Increase Speed Reading.
Article Source: www.articlesbase.com
Some or all of the following points should help you increase both reading speed and comprehension, the ability to absorb information that you read:
* Have your vision checked - A large number of people suffer from being unable to read effectively and quickly simply because they need glasses. You may only need glasses for reading and nothing else, but having your eyes checked regularly is good general health advice regardless of reading difficulties.
* Read when you are rested - Any number of tests have shown that reading is far more effective if you are not tired when you do it. Try and get a regular amount of sleep and study or read during the times of the day that you feel less tired. This will vary as some people feel more rested at different times of the day. Find out what works for you.
* Find somewhere quiet and peaceful - It stands to reason that you are going to read faster and understand more of what you read if you have little to no outside distractions. Turn off the television or stereo and reduce noise as much as you can.
* Read somewhere else if you have to - You may need to go somewhere else to read or study, like a library, but find somewhere where you are less likely to be distracted. Reading at home may not be possible for some and you really do need to find somewhere that is more conducive to reading.
All simple things that can show you how to increase speed reading, and with some effort on your part, you should be able to read easier and faster.
More information is available at How to Increase Speed Reading.
Article Source: www.articlesbase.com
Sunday, September 27, 2009
How to Increase Speed Reading
Increasing reading speed is probably something that we would all like to be able to do and it is possible. There are a few methods that can be used but there are also some things you need to check first.
The largest handicap to reading speed is eyesight. You could very well significantly increase speed reading just by having an eye exam to check for anything out of the ordinary. Something as simple as a pair of reading glasses could greatly enhance your reading speed.
Changing how and when you read can also make a huge difference. Do you normally read surrounded by noise? Try reading in a quiet solitary place with minimal distractions and you could see a boost in your reading speed. Being distracted by other things such as music, family or television decreases your potential greatly.
Regular sleep is also a must for reading proficiently. Try to do your reading when you are well rested as it is obvious that you will read easier and absorb more information if your brain is not tired to begin with.
Take frequent breaks. Allow yourself at least a five minute break every hour to rest your eyes. Take more breaks if the reading is particularly intense. If you need to take in most of what you are reading then you need to concentrate harder and need more breaks. Skimming through a newspaper or magazine is a lot easier to do as you do not read every word or need to absorb all of the information.
These are just a few tips to get you started. Learn more at How to Increase Your Speed Reading.
The largest handicap to reading speed is eyesight. You could very well significantly increase speed reading just by having an eye exam to check for anything out of the ordinary. Something as simple as a pair of reading glasses could greatly enhance your reading speed.
Changing how and when you read can also make a huge difference. Do you normally read surrounded by noise? Try reading in a quiet solitary place with minimal distractions and you could see a boost in your reading speed. Being distracted by other things such as music, family or television decreases your potential greatly.
Regular sleep is also a must for reading proficiently. Try to do your reading when you are well rested as it is obvious that you will read easier and absorb more information if your brain is not tired to begin with.
Take frequent breaks. Allow yourself at least a five minute break every hour to rest your eyes. Take more breaks if the reading is particularly intense. If you need to take in most of what you are reading then you need to concentrate harder and need more breaks. Skimming through a newspaper or magazine is a lot easier to do as you do not read every word or need to absorb all of the information.
These are just a few tips to get you started. Learn more at How to Increase Your Speed Reading.
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