Week 5: Read and Record

Writing assignment 1: Reflect: How Do I Feel About Reading?

Free write for at least 15 minutes on the following questions:
• I love to read (or do not enjoy reading) because ….
• Discuss your concentration level during reading. What does this mean to you?
• How can poor reading habits affect your life beyond college?

2. Exercise 1: Assess: Reading Speed and Comprehension: Where are You?

The purpose of this assessment is to assist you in realizing potential challenges in reading speed and comprehension.
Introduction:

Have you ever read something and then realized you had no idea what you just read? One of the top challenges confronting first-year college students is reading comprehension. Although college students have been reading for many years, they may not have developed the techniques to be able to comprehend, interpret, analyze, and evaluate what they read. Actually, most of us could improve our reading comprehension. Stop for a moment and think about your reading speed and comprehension. If you could read faster and comprehend more, you could successfully complete many of your assignments in less time.

Before we start, let’s see where you are, so that we can build on the skills you have.
Task:
Access the Reading Comprehension Assessment of READI.

• To re-visit READI: Go to http://www.readi.info/itt. Follow the prompts under the Returning Users section by entering your e-mail address and PIN to return to your READI assessments.
• Choose Reading Comprehension Assessment.
Take the assessment.
Print your results as a PDF document.

3. Analysis 1: Plan: My Reading Assessment Chart

From the READI analysis, write down your WPM/Speed and Comprehension in your word document for this project. Explain where your levels fall in relation to the average.

4. Project 1: Apply: Choose Your Assignment for Reading Comprehension Improvement

If you are above average and are satisfied with your reading skills, please complete assignment A. If you would like to improve your reading comprehension and/or speed, please continue with assignment B.

Project 1 Option A: Teach a Junior High Class how to Improve Reading Comprehension
You have been asked to speak to a junior high class on the importance of developing good reading habits. The goal of this talk is not only to motivate the students to develop good habits but also to provide at least three concrete tips they can use.

Write a short presentation for such an audience. Using Word or PowerPoint, create a five- to six-page/slide presentation for the students, telling them at least three concrete tips for improving reading comprehension.

Project 1 Option B: Personal Improvement Commitment Plan

Like other changes we have discussed, if you wish to improve your reading speed and comprehension, you must be intentional.

In a two column table created in Word, please write a Reading Comprehension Improvement Plan based on the tips for improving reading comprehension listed in Chapter 5 of your textbook and any additional reading you have done on this issue.

List three tips in the first column. In the next column, list your personal plan for integrating each tip into your study habits or life that you think can help you improve your reading comprehension.

Delivery of this Unit’s Assignments:

Use Arial 12 point font, non-bold, double-spaced with spaces between questions or paragraphs.
Attach your reflection from the Writing Assignment and the assessment report from the Exercise. In addition, attach your Reading Assessment chart for the Analysis and your deliverables for the Project.

Check it First! Did you…??

o Complete the Reading Comprehension assessment in READI?
o Print all Reports?
o Build your Reading Assessment Chart?
o Choose Apply Option A or B?
o If Option A: Complete your PowerPoint or Word presentation with at least THREE concrete tips for improving reading for a junior high class?
o If Option B: Complete your Personal Improvement Plan?
If you can check all of these, you have completed your assignment. Good work!

Labs:

Complete Microsoft PowerPoint Project 1 and Project 2
Complete Microsoft PowerPoint Exam 1