Job Expectations
The economy is making it more and more difficult to find a job. The better read and skilled you are, the more choices you have. Many employers are looking for employees who are well-rounded and can do more than one job. The better prepared you are, the better your chances of finding that job.
Many people who are currently working find that in order to stay abreast of the technologic advancements in their industry, they have to read more and more material than ever before in their career history. Because the demands of work are only increasing, this leaves less time to get this type of reading done. In order to stand out in the workplace, learning to read fast and understand what you read is now a critical skill in the workplace.
Time Required to Make a Change
This may very well depend on exactly what you wish to improve about your reading comprehension. But, with about 20 minutes of practice each and every day for three weeks, you will see a significant improvement in your reading skills, speed, and comprehension.
The only way to make sure this happens is to set this up as a priority in your life. After all, in three weeks you can so significantly improve your ability to understand what you are reading that it only makes sense to do it, and do it now. You're taking this course for a reason. Ensure your success by setting aside at least 20 minutes every day to practice the skills you are learning in this course.
If this course takes you longer than three weeks, you can expect your skills to continue to improve as long as you do the suggested exercises. Once you complete the course, you will want to refresh your skills periodically.
In order to improve your reading comprehension, you will need to work on the following skills:
- Increase reading speed without sacrificing understanding
- Learn decoding skills
- Improve vocabulary
- Build world knowledge through reading and relate what you know to what you read, by asking questions as you read.
- Work on comprehension strategies that include things like prediction, analysis, visualizing, and summarizing.
- Monitor your comprehension, make sure you do understand what you read, and that the text makes sense.
Required Materials
As mentioned, practicing for 20 minutes every day is essential for your success. You will need a timer, a telephone book, a textbook, a light reading book (novel). Please have these ready for your next lesson. Between now and your next lesson, plan on simply reading for 20 minutes every day.
The idea is to create a "reading" habit. For now, simply reading every day will get you in the frame of mind necessary for your optimal success.
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