This chapter discusses word precision, such as the right word to use, how clear thinking leads to clear word definition, what definition is and what kinds of definitions there are, connotation and critical reading. When you use the right word you learn more, extend your vocabulary, and leads to better understanding. A thesaurus is a good tool to help you find different usages for words. Clear thinking depends on clear word definition. Establish two habits: pay attention if you don’t fully understand a word and take the time to clear things up. If you come upon a confusing word, always use a dictionary to find the definition. When defining a word, the word is the term, and the term belongs to a class. A class is the largest family which the term is related to. Scientific, simulative, inventive, personal, poetic, whimsical, philological, eccentric, and persuasive are all different kinds of definition that can help you have a better understanding of a word from different views. Connotation plays a big part of definition; connotation of a word is what you associate that word to and how it makes you react, good or bad. When it comes to critical thinking you have to have neutral and accurate comprehension and control biases so you can relay the information without any changes.
This chapter covers what reading is, using learning journals, what concentration is, and five concentration techniques. Reading is a two-way communication between writer and reader in the form of words and symbols which involves an active process of thinking that generates your interpretation of what the writer is trying to convey. One way of getting a better understanding of what you’ve read is to write a learning journal. Learning journals help you see what you’ve learned, what’s still unclear to you, how you learn, problems and difficulties you may face while reading, as well as where you can use some improvements in your reading and learning skills. Concentration plays a big role in reading. Concentration is a learned skill where you must train yourself to block out any internal and external distractions to find what works best for you, so you can learn with a purpose. There are five techniques that can help you improve your concentration skills:
1.Using the checkmark monitoring system. This helps you keep track of how many times you lose concentration while reading.
2.Creating a study environment. Helps if you have trouble with external distractions.
3.Creating a positive mental attitude. Helps you have a better chance for successful reading.
4.Using a journal as a worry pad. Helps when you have internal distractions.
5.Writing a letter. Helps with internal distractions.
LEARNING JOURNAL pg. 16
Describe your current study environment in your journal. Based on what you have just read, explain how you could improve your concentration during reading by changing your study environment.
I currently study in my family room. I don’t have a desk to study on, so I either sit on the couch or at the table. I feel much more comfortable on the couch. While I’m reading and studying I usually have the TV or music on. I try to study during the day so I can use the natural light from outside but I usually study late because that’s the only time I can. Based on what I’ve read about creating a successful study environment I’m doing everything wrong. It says not to study in social areas like a living or family room and that’s where I feel most comfortable studying. My room is way too hot and I have no table or comfortable place to sit. I defiantly don’t agree with the suggestion about using a chair that’s not too comfortable. If I’m not comfortable I’ll just keep getting distracted by my discomfort. It also says not to study with the TV on but I need some noise while studying. When it is too quiet I tent to get bored or annoyed. I am always ready with all my supplies before I begin to study. I lay out all my books, notes, laptop, and writing utensils before I start to study. I’m sure I can use some improvements in my study environment like investing in a desk or something like that but right now this is what works for me. I think there is no real format for what a successful study environment should be, I believe that it varies from person to person and you have to find what works best for yourself.
This chapter discusses different aspects of observation such as what is observing, the observation process, barriers and rewards. When observing at first glance you notice the familiar things and start to connect the familiar to the unfamiliar. When looking longer you noticed that your first glance is different from what actually see, and you begin to find your strengths and weaknesses in your observation skills. Observing consists of watching, keeping your attention and awareness on an object in order to discover details that you may tend to over look. Sensing, perceiving, and thinking are all part of the observation process. A barrier that many people encounter while observing is speed. Rushing through an observation so you don’t lose time you lose words. You may over look details that can help you have a better understanding of an object. Taking breaks can help you overcome this barrier, keep you interested, and help you find things you might have over looked. Rewards of having good observation skills better understanding, rapture, power and wonder.
OBSERVING A CUBE
1.WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CUBE AS YOU OBSERVE IT?
At first glance the cube looked as though the front was the lower left square and went back toward the back right square. The longer I looked I begun to notice a different cube, one where the front was the upper right square that went back toward the lower left square. Once I saw both cubes my eyes kept switching from one cube to the other trying to see if I could see any other cubes. I didn’t notice any other cubes.
2.HOW DOES THE OBSERVING FEEL AS YOU DO IT?
While doing this observation I began to lose interest at the beginning. I kept staring at the cube and trying not to get distracted. When I noticed the second cube I began to pay more attention. I concentrated more and was trying to see anything that I didn’t notice. I tried turning the book looking at it from different angles but didn’t really see anything else. I felt like once I saw the two cubes I was a lot more interested in the picture trying to see things I might have over looked.
