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When previewing follow ideas and major concepts more closely rather than words. Let titles and heading provide clues and guidance. If
author is playing cutesy with
headings —
title doesn't match
contents--rewrite
headings so that they fit something that can help your memory.
By reading
introductory and concluding paragraphs first, you will also be able to calculate what you're reading pace will need to be, how much time you will need to set aside, and
amount of effort.
Environment
Take special care of your eyes when reading from
computer screen. Take frequent eye breaks by refocusing them on some object far away. If your eyes are bothering you, there are special computer reading eye drops available. If you wear bifocals, ask your eye doctor or
lens manufacturer to raise
starting line to accommodate computer use. This will also stop neck strain caused by
slight movement of up and down to align
bifocal line so that you can read
screen. Bless
doctor who told me about this. This adjustment removed
neck pain since.
Don't slouch. Frequently it is easy to lower shoulders and neck. This occurs most often when
monitor is not at
ideal position -- eye level. This also adds tension to
neck and shoulders resulting in muscle cramping. If you tilt
screen up, at a higher angle, where
screen’s center points toward your nose, you will reduce tension and cramping.
Pace
We tend to assume that our reading pace remains
same for Net browsing and for e-Learning. Not true. e-Learning requires
same flexibility as if you are reading a book. The pace depends on reading skills, type of material, and
quality of its presentation. Allow your pace to change depending on
information. Let go of comparing how long it takes when you read it in printed form vs. online form. Allow flexibility in study time until you learn to gage
material with your own level.
Questions
Allow your inquisitiveness to be open while studying. Record questions that appear within your thoughts. A great way to expand or answer
question is to write
question on
top of a blank page. Set a timer for 7 to 10 minutes and write fast anything that shows up. At
end of
writing, write a summary sentence or two of what you wrote.
Did your free write answer
question? If not, you may want to continue through a few more timed exercises. Or let it go for
moment, return to your studying, and add it to your research list. Free writing is always a great way to access deeper meaning being stored in your subconscious.
The most important key to any type of learning is to find your own rhythm and stride and have fun with
whole process. Retention is best absorbed while relaxed, open and curious.

Catherine Franz, a Business Coach, specialized in writing, marketing and product development. Newsletters and additional articles: http://www.abundancecenter.com blog: http://abundance.blogs.com