How to read for understanding
Academic texts require an approach to reading which is active and focused. Your approach will vary depending on what you are reading, why you are reading it, and what you are trying to find out. Generative AI tools can support reading, but it is important to use them responsibly and ethically.
What is active reading?
Active reading is the process of reading with a focus on understanding, identifying and retaining key information from a text. Unlike other forms of reading such as reading for pleasure, active reading is usually a non-linear process; instead you will need to use a variety of techniques such as preview, review, and asking questions of the text to help you to identify the information you are looking for. Reading for understanding is the beginning of the learning process.
This interactive tutorial will help you to develop the key skills that you will need for active and focused reading.
This recording will introduce some useful strategies to get the most out of your active and focused reading.
Watch focused reading: strategies and techniques on Kaltura
Preview and review
Previewing and reviewing a text allows you to identify key sections to focus on and get the most out of your reading time. Try following these steps:
- Read the overview material. For example, a book introduction or an article abstract and then scan through the table of contents or the section titles in an article.
- Scan-read through the text asking yourself the following questions:
- Which parts are most important?
- What don't I need to read?
- Make a note of important pages or sections to return to and jot down some key questions related to the text.
- Review the sections relevant to your questions in detail and make relevant notes.
Asking questions of the text
The process of answering the questions will help you to stay focused and it will make your reading purposeful
Aim for no more than three to five questions per text, covering both the bigger picture and the detail. Questions should be conceptual rather than fact based if possible.
For example:
- What is the overall argument of the text?
- What are the main examples given?
- How might this be applied in practice?
- Why was the research undertaken?
- What are the limitations of the research?
You can use your reading questions to organise your notes and to evaluate whether you have got everything that you need from the text.
Next time you are reading an academic text try out the preview and review and setting research questions techniques. Did you feel that you were able to quickly and easily get the key information you needed from the text?
How to effectively read a journal article
In most cases, reading research journal articles from start to finish is not the most effective way to gain the information contained in them. You need to recognise the structure and the type of information you might find within the different sections.
By working through this online tutorial you will develop your approach to reading research journal articles in the most productive way.
Start the online tutorial - how to read a journal article
How to use Generative AI for reading and note-making
GenAI tools can be useful for supporting your reading and note-making.
Gemini Notebook is an AI-powered assistant and it is one of the University approved tools together with Gemini.
In Gemini Notebook you can upload information sources or your notes and use it to summarise them, to clarify complex topics, identify recurring themes, and compare different sections of a book or an article.
You can chat with or ask questions about the sources you have uploaded. You can also turn them into different formats such as study guides, mindmaps or audio.
- Third party materials you upload to Gemini Notebook need to be lawfully acquired such as those obtained through a University Library subscription that allows use of texts in AI systems.
- One easy way to make sure of that is to access them through StarPlus, the University Library discovery tool or via a Library subscribed academic database and to check the terms of use and conditions of the source you are inputting in Gemini Notebook.
- You can upload Open Access sources under a Creative Commons licence, as long as you follow the specific requirements of the licence.
- You shouldn’t transfer Gemini Notebook generated outputs to users outside the University.
- For more information, see Generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI) and Copyright
Use of Gemini Notebook and other GenAI tools may not be appropriate in every context and at each stage of your learning process.
For a full learning experience and comprehensive understanding it is essential you read, engage with, and respond to the text yourself first.
Use Gemini Notebook as a way to help you understand, rather than a replacement for reading and to help you organise your thinking, generate questions, and keep track of key arguments. Familiarising yourself with a text first, before introducing Gemini Notebook, will allow you to get the most out of the tool.
Employing it well should develop your information literacy and your critical thinking as well as your comprehension of texts.
Access How to use Gemini Notebook to support your reading
Always check your School’s guidance and the specific module assessment criteria for the use of AI and Generative AI. If you are unsure, contact your School or tutor for clarification.
Reading for Diversity
The Library has teamed up with BookSoc, Sheffield University’s book society, to create a programme of Reading for Diversity reading groups.
These will take place throughout the year and are often timed to celebrate awareness months.
Books are chosen by the students, and all shortlisted and discussed books are added to the Reading for Diversity reading list. They are available as both print and online copies from StarPlus, where possible.
Have a look at the Reading for Diversity reading list to discover books from diverse and often underrepresented voices and perspectives.
Book onto the next Reading for Diversity group meeting
Next steps
Workshops and 1:1 appointments
Explore a range of workshops and appointments to develop the essential study skills, research, maths and statistics skills that will underpin your learning at university.