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Chapter 2 Understanding Work-Based Learning
Improve Reading Skills
The skill that is basic to all studying and schoolwork is reading.
The better you read, the more effective studying will be and the more
you will learn. Some readers may take more time to read and complete
their assignments. However, a person’s reading skills can be improved.
The more a person reads, the easier and faster reading becomes. A
way to improve your reading skills is by setting aside more time for
studying and reading. You may also want to ask your teachers or
counselor if you could join a reading improvement program at school.
To understand the written material better, think about what you are
reading before you begin. Observe the chapter title, subheadings, photos,
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When you know the main ideas, reading becomes easier.
Do not just focus on single words. Read sentences and paragraphs
to understand the details of an idea. It takes many words together to
express a thought, idea, or fact. Read the assignment more than once,
and reread sections you do not understand. The first reading will
help you understand the main idea. Additional readings will help you
understand details.
Develop Participation Skills
Pay close attention to the teachers in all your classes, even in the
classes you dislike. Be a good listener. Focus on the teacher or speaker
and think about what is being said. Also, be sure to sit where you can
see and hear well.
If you do your assignments regularly, it is easier to make
contributions during class. State facts as you know them. Ask questions
about ideas or concepts that you do not completely understand. Even
lessons that seem uninteresting take on new meaning when you get
involved in the discussion and participate in class.
Take Notes
You can improve your learning skills by taking notes during or
after reading an assignment. Summarize information to help you
understand the text. When you summarize, you write down the main
ideas of an assignment to express key thoughts. To summarize, go
back to each page, section, or paragraph, and write down the main
ideas in a study notebook. This process helps you remember what you
have read. It also helps you review the information for a test.
When taking notes, organize the information by chapter or date,
whichever is best for you. Write the notes in your own words, and be
brief. Do not try to copy the idea word for word from the book.
You may want to consider using a computer to take notes. Keyed
notes are more legible and easier to edit. You will find it easy to search
for specific terms or assignments. A laptop or tablet will enable you to
take notes in class. However, it is important to resist the temptation to
play games or search the Internet during learning or study time.