Active reading strategies to help students
- 1. The 3-Pass Approach to Reading From Passive Reading to Active Critical Reading
- 2. Why Active Reading? • • Passive reading = skimming words without deep understanding • • Active (critical) reading = questioning, connecting, and evaluating • • Helps improve comprehension, retention, and analysis • • Essential for academic success and lifelong learning
- 3. The 3-Pass Approach (Overview) • 1. Preview the text • 2. Annotate while reading • 3. Re-read critically • Goal: Move from surface-level understanding to deeper analysis
- 4. Step 1 – Preview the Text • • Skim title, headings, visuals, and key terms • • Predict what the text will be about • • Ask questions before reading • • Example: Like watching a movie trailer before the film
- 5. Step 2 – Annotate While Reading • • Highlight key ideas, underline arguments • • Write margin notes or questions • • Use metacognitive strategies: • - Predicting, Visualizing, Questioning • - Making Connections • - Fix-ups when confused • • Active engagement = stronger memory
- 6. Step 3 – Re-Read Critically • • Distinguish fact vs. opinion • • Identify author’s purpose, bias, or assumptions • • Evaluate arguments: Are they logical and supported? • • Connect ideas to your own experiences and the wider world
- 7. After Reading Strategies • • Summarize main points in your own words • • Create text-based questions (open-ended) • • Map or cluster ideas visually • • Use a double-entry journal to track quotes & responses • • Discuss with peers (academic speed dating, small groups)
- 8. Agree & Disagree Tool • • While reading, note 2 quotes you agree with • • Note 2 quotes you disagree with or question • • Write a short interpretation: • - Why do you agree or disagree? • - What evidence or experiences support your view? • • Helps build critical thinking and essay ideas
- 9. Summary – Active Reading Matters • • Reading critically is more than decoding words • • The 3-Pass Approach helps you: • 1. Preview • 2. Annotate • 3. Re-read critically • • Builds comprehension, analysis, and confidence • • Remember: Active reading = stronger