What do you think is your biggest challenge to improving your reading habits?

Answer 1

Speed reading is a useful skill which can be attained with regular practice. Today's student of speed reading is bombarded with many different books, websites, programs, and courses on speed reading. One essential part of his study, however, will not be found in the majority of these sources-the development of a strong short-term memory.

By strengthening his memory, a reader can increase both his speed and his level of comprehension. Even when a slow reader reads a text, images of the words are automatically stored in the brain. How strongly they are imprinted and how quickly they can be recalled is a matter of training. Whole blocks of words can be retained during the reading process.

Memory is vital for quick comprehension of reading material. As the reader's eyes move forward to read new blocks of words, a sharp memory is critical since the mind's "decoding" processes rely on mental images. By retaining words, the memory frees the mind to continue reading while working on words that have already been "read." A strong memory enables accurate assimilation and cross-referencing of information in the brain-mental processes that are key to comprehension.

If a reader could enhance his memory while reducing his eye fixation time and acquiring other good reading habits, his speed would increase dramatically.

That much is clear. But can memory be developed? And if so, how?

It is first of all necessary to understand the type of memory involved in speed reading-short-term memory, capturing "images" not only of words but also of full blocks of text. Memory in general can be developed significantly through "brain games." To the speed reader, however, most Mnemonic Devices and long-term memory techniques are useless. His focus must be on exercises that serve to increase his attention span and his capacity for mental concentration.

The oldest and simplest such exercise is accomplished simply by choosing reading material more difficult than what one is accustomed to. This challenges the memory to retain larger "morsels" of information for longer periods of time.

Other than that, timed exercises, using either words or pictures are useful. In these, the individual tests himself to see how much he can recall of a "data sheet" after a study period of a given number of seconds. It is important to keep a log noting the number of memorized items and the times so that progress can be recorded.

Answer 2

The biggest challenges today are computers, television, xboxes, ipods, etc. Reading takes up too much energy for the average person nowadays. You have to select a book that you think you might enjoy, then you have to buy it and bring it home and open it up. Then there's all those turning of pesky pages in order to access the whole of the story. And what if you come across a word you don't understand? Now you have to find a dictionary and learn how to use it in order to find out the meaning of the strange new word. Oh, it's enough to do a fellow's head in and tire him right out. Better to just veg out in front of the tv and let the talking heads spoon feed information to us.

Answer 3

My biggest challenge is having the time to sit down and read a book. Between work and other activities I never have any time.