How To Improve Reading Efficiency
In Columbia’s Core Curriculum, I often have to tackle 300 pages of philosophy reading per week. Some friends have asked me how I manage to improve my reading efficiency, and as someone who has achieved straight A’s in core courses, I’d like to share a few tips that might help.
💡 Work Smart, Not Hard: I often attend office hours to chat with professors and figure out which themes they prefer to focus on. Choose a topic that interests you—bonus points if it aligns with the professor’s interests. This semester, focus your reading and notes on that topic instead of spreading your attention too thin. When it’s time to write your final paper, you’ll be much more prepared and efficient.
For example, in my literature core course last year, the professor was particularly interested in gender issues and female portrayals. I wrote all my papers on themes like the “male gaze” and gender dynamics in great literary works. This happened to be a topic I was already passionate about, and it aligned perfectly with the professor’s interests—earning me great results without extra stress.
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Improving reading efficiency is crucial for students facing heavy workloads, especially in rigorous academic environments. One effective strategy is to chunk your reading. Instead of tackling each line individually, break the material into manageable sections to capture key concepts. This approach not only speeds up reading but also reinforces comprehension. Prioritizing what to read is another essential tip. If professors indicate important passages, focus on these sections. In cases where no guidance is provided, distinguishing between primary and secondary sources in subjects like history can help. You'll save time by honing in on the most relevant material. Furthermore, the question method can be invaluable. By formulating questions before diving into the text, you are more likely to extract meaningful insights that contribute to your understanding of the subject. Coupled with effective note-taking—where you capture unique insights rather than rehashing summaries—you can significantly enhance your engagement during class discussions and essay preparations. It's also beneficial to supplement challenging readings with resources like SparkNotes or overview videos. These can provide a foundational understanding of complex texts, allowing you to approach the material with confidence. Readings in philosophy or literature can be daunting, but by applying these techniques, you will not only manage your reading load but also enrich your academic journey.
I love Pride & Prejudice, that book was pretty good.