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If you think that learning to read is not a ‘natural process, then it is not true.
That happens all on its own. Learning how to read is a complicated process that needs proper teaching of many skills and strategies. In this regard, the main thing is the learning of phonics (the relationship between letters and sounds). However, you can learn to read at any stage of your life. We mostly learn how to read at an early age.
How can Reading Benefit You
Reading benefits us in countless ways. Learning how to read brings us to acquire knowledge efficiently throughout our life. There are different ways to read unfamiliar words, such as decoding, analogizing, or predicting. And to read familiar words, readers access their mind memory. This phenomenon of reading familiar words is also known as sight word reading. However, getting acquainted with unknown words require your knowledge of phonemes. The process of learning words involves the connections between graphemes and phonemes. If you have this knowledge, then you will be aware of connecting the spellings of images of the words to their pronunciations and meanings in your memory.
Know the Process of Learning How to Read
It is never too late to learn how to read. You can learn how to read at any stage of your life. We discussed that learning how to read is a complex process that requires your prior phonemic awareness and knowledge of the alphabetic system. Alphabet learning is the first step in learning the reading process. Recent studies show that learning the alphabet increases your learning of new vocabulary words. 26 letters make up the English alphabet, which is the base of all English language words. If you want to read or teach your children how to read, you should get familiar with the alphabet.
Why is Knowing ‘How to Read’ Important?
● Learning or knowing how to read is essential because it helps you grow your knowledge. We are going to share some effective strategies to start learning how to read.
● Clues or Cues. It means to identify a word by guessing with the help of context cues. There are the following ways to guess a word by cues.
● Knowing to mean (semantics)
● Having a background knowledge and context of the word, e.g., vocabulary in mind
● The structure (syntax) to how the word fits in common grammar rules, e.g., if a word is a verb, noun, or an adjective.
● An awareness of the visual (Graphophones) of a word, e.g., upper- and lowercase letters, common spelling patterns, etc.
Focus on these Simple Ways to Learn How to Read
● Use your finger to guide you through the lines and not lose focus
● Highlight words you do not know and look them up, then read again
● Aim for speed because the faster you read, the more times you can go over the page/s
● As we mentioned above, you must be aware of the alphabets and their sounds. After that, there are some simple tips at the beginner’s level to start reading. These steps are:
● Sound out the word by saying each letter sound slowly. Try blending the sounds to form the word.
● Make your reading simpler by chunking up the word.
Pick out the prefixes, suffixes, endings, or base words, etc., which you already know. Read these chunks separately and then blend them by sounding out the word.
● Make connections of the new words with the words you already know.
● Reread the words and repeat the sentences.
● Don’t get stuck on a word; instead, keep reading.
● Make predictions by looking at the pictures, chapter names, headings, diagrams, etc.
● Try to make a connection with the text by visualizing. Make the story of what you’re reading and see the story unfolding in time and space.
● Expand your Reading Process by the Following Methods
● Reading increases your knowledge as well as your IQ. The process of reading expands.
Here are the following methods to broaden your reading scope:
Access Online Libraries
There are many paid or unpaid online libraries available on the internet. Furthermore, you can find a book by typing its name and getting it for free. It is the most accessible way to explore new topics.
Contact your Local Library
Besides online libraries, we all have local libraries that pair their learners with a trained literacy tutor. Try to connect with these libraries and grow your reading knowledge.
Search for A Community-based Service
Check if your local church, public school, or any other near community group is sponsoring a literacy program. They offer programs that connect learners with someone who helps improve their reading skills.
Learning Disabilities
Learning is a gradual process that takes time, but sometimes a person has a learning disability that becomes a hurdle in learning how to read. For example, some tools and methods can help people with dyslexia. A person with dyslexia has difficulty interpreting spatial relationships or integrating auditory and visual information.
You Must Know These Four Levels of Reading
Four levels of reading are discussed in the book “How to Read a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren.
These four levels are:
Elementary Level
As its name shows, elementary reading is the reading that is achieved during the elementary schooling years.
Inspectional Level
It is the level of reading where we get a meaningful and advanced review of the text. It is the level where we evaluate the merits of a more profound reading experience. Skimming and superficial reading are examples.
Analytical Level
At this level, we do an in-depth study of the text and ponder about it. We got the theme of the text and tried to interpret its meaning.
Syntopical Reading
Syntopical reading is comparative reading. It is the most challenging level of reading. At this level, a reader reads many books on the same subject and then compares them.
References
Ehri, L. C., & Wilce, L. S. (1987). Does learning to spell help beginners learn to read words?. Reading research quarterly, 47-65.
Teale, W. H. (1982). Toward a theory of how children learn to read and write naturally. Language Arts, 59(6), 555-570.
Wiggins, G. P., Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design. Ascd.
What is Learning?
Learning is a basic process to understand and acquire new knowledge and skills. Human beings are bestowed with learning ability and they can use their energy to learn anything they want. Other than humans, animals can also learn different things and attitudes. According to psychology, learning can be of two types. The first category falls in basic learning, which comes immediately like to make a child learn how to throw a ball, and the child will learn it at once. The second type of learning is acquired by repeated practice and comes with immense experience. Learning is not as a simple process as it seems to be.
When a human is born, he starts learning from his environment and it continues until he dies. The learning starts and continues to progress because of interaction and relation between humans and its interaction with its atmosphere. Which drives to make humans learn new things every day. Learning is a process, which is dealt with by various disciplines to understand it. Psychology, neurology, humanities, and neuropsychology study the notion of learning in their respective manner.
How to learn?
The question now arises of how learning can happen. It can be the result of habituation, operant conditioning, and classical conditioning according to neuropsychology. Novek and Bob in their book, learning how to learn demonstrated that in fact there are multiple forms of learning, focusing on methods to learn effectively. According to Novek and Bob, there is meaningful learning and then there is autonomous learning. They analyzed Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato’s analysis of Meta-science which led to the discovery of “how science works”. Therefore, they are determined to find the process of learning and name it meta-knowledge.
There are many methods, which we can use to become effective learners.
Psychology says when you improve your memory, you’re learning enhances automatically. All you need is just to focus on the things that psychology offers to enhance your memory. When learning something new, you can simply start by putting your focus along with structuring your time. It usually enhances your memory and makes you an effective learner. However, while learning something new, do not forget to read psychological facts about it. As it will lead you in a better way.
According to science, when you are into learning new things, your brain increases the amount of gray matter in your occipital area of the brain. In an article, which was published in Nature, it was claimed that when a person learns something and does not practice it more, the gray area in his occipital area of the brain disappears. So, to learn effectively, one must need to practice it and not leave it.
Judy Willis is a researcher who says that the best way to learn is to learn in different dimensions and domains. The tip just does not stick to one method but rather try different methods. For example, If you are learning a new language, learn it in all possible ways and means you can figure out. Do not limit yourself to learn a language only through some guide and book. Learn it visually and watch videos about it. Try to make notes on it, and then try to practice it with your mates, friends, and relatives. According to Willis, these multiple methods of learning enhance your brain activity. When you learn in multiple forms, then multiple forms of brains are activated to store that particular information and save it for a longer period.
Besides this, there are a plethora of ways which can offer us the best ways of how to learn. Psychology says, if you teach what you learn to another person, it is open to enhance your learning knowledge. Besides, if you are a multi-tasker, stop it immediately because learning is not a simple process rather a complex procedure that requires a lot of attention and focus. Therefore, if you do your learning with treat focus, the chance is high that you are acquiring it in the right way. There are many strategies for learning. Different theories offer different techniques to learn things fast and to evaluate your best learning strategy to make you learn fast. The tip is to interpret learning theories and to know your strength in the learning process. The Theory of Multiple Intelligence by Gardener presents eight different types of intelligence that can prove helpful in understanding your learning strength. You have to learn what is your intelligence strength.
Why Learn?
Now the thing is why a person should invest his /her time in learning new trends and knowledge. Most people do not approve of this way of life where they have to learn every day and throughout their life. Little do they know whether or not, they know it but learning can be consciously done as well as learning is non-conscious.
When we learn something, we add to our knowledge and enhance our quality of life. Living in contemporary times you have to face too much stress and depression. Sometimes you are worn out by your hectic routine. According to psychology, learning new things can help you relieve your stress by shifting your focus to something new and productive. Your productive activity will help you to distract your focus on stress patterns and enable you to enjoy your life and spare some time for your self-development.
Learning bestows you with immense confidence and you begin to feel confident and empowered. With learning comes new knowledge and this knowledge can benefit you in multiple possible ways you have ever imagined. For example, you have learned something which is of great worth, and now you can easily transform into your earning. You can also earn money besides getting multiple other benefits. One very important aspect of learning is socialization. Learning cannot be done alone. You have to be socialized while learning something new. Because it enables your mental activity to work in a better way than ever. Sometimes, when you invest your time in learning, you discover a new you. Your strengths, and weaknesses which you have never thought about.
Methods to Improve your IQ
There are multiple ways to increase your IQ and to learn effectively and efficiently. The book The Complete Guide to Genius, Achieve an IQ of 180 With a Simple 3 Step System, narrates a three-step process to enhance a person’s IQ up to 180. Firstly, know what your basic goals and objectives behind your action are and figure out these to know why you want to increase your IQ. The second step involves figuring out techniques and tactics to achieve your objectives and goals. The third step involves the relative pattern and behaviors to achieve the goals and objectives.
Another scientific method to naturally increase your IQ is through playing chess. It is scientifically proven that when you play chess your brain part corpus callosum connects the two hemispheres. The right hemisphere and left hemisphere of the brain. This is the reason why Einstein was one of the most intelligent geniuses in the world. That’s why playing chess can be useful as it helps to concentrate which improves problem-solving skills and enables the cognitive ability of human beings.
In Venezuela, a study was conducted which claimed that children who played chess are more likely to develop their IQ level fast. A study conducted in Sweden proved that working out and doing exercises is far better than playing games. Maria Aberg, a Sweden Researcher, said it is due to cardiovascular fitness that can be proved very helpful and can give results in enhancing your IQ efficiently.
Other methods can be effective. Taking creatine daily by 5g enhances your brain energy, which in turn helps to develop your IQ quickly. Another method is Meditation. When you meditate for 20 minutes, it boosts brain activity along with relieving stress that helps to enhance your IQ. Loughborough University’s Sleep Research Centre found out that getting eight hours of sleep can help raise your IQ. Which ultimately helps you learn faster and efficiently.
Tools of Learning
Learning can be made easy and smooth by using these various learning tools. When it comes to self-learning, there are numerous ways and methods. Especially in contemporary times where there are no barriers to learning. Where the internet is available and you can virtually do anything anywhere just by the use of your electronic devices.
In the book named the lost tools of learning, Dorothy referred to Aristotle’s Organon. He mentioned that lost tools of learning are posterior analytics and prior analytics along with interpretation and logic. When combining them, they are all the necessary tools for learning. These are the logical tools of learning if we talk about physical tools of learning, there are many others too.
Social media and other online software are the best tools to learn anything at your ease. The biggest learning tools are Facebook, Twitter, Google documents, notes, and many others. You can just search for what you want to learn and it will provide you detailed information regarding your respective subject and interest.
Factors influencing learning
According to scientific research, learning can be influenced by many factors, and these factors tend to play an important part in the learning process. These factors can be both internal and external and learning can entirely depend on it. External factors that influence the learning process are hereditary, the physical environment, and the learning environment. Some learners are geniuses because of their heredity traits. So, learning is easy for them compared to others.
It is scientifically proven that internal factors are far more effective and play a greater role than external factors. Internal factors are ambitions, passion, interest, motivational patterns, behavior, guidance, speed, and attention. People who learn with all these factors will learn more than others. Among all these factors, guidance is important. Guidance will help a learner flourish and quickly proceed to attempt his objectives.
The Brain – Great Educator of Learning
Your brain plays out an extraordinary number of errands. It is astonishing how we think and how our mind attempts to manage responsibility. Your cerebrum controls your pulse and even your disposition. The mind controls the capacity to talk, think, feel, see, walk, sit, stand, contact, taste, dream, hear, and more. Correspondence exercises take up 60% to 80% of the mind’s energy. The cerebrum needs a lot of nerves and the spinal line to accomplish work. The spinal cord and nerves make the sensory system. The sensory system is comprised of millions of neurons. Every one of these many neurons communicates proficiently and exceptionally quick. The sensory system delivers messages from the cerebrum to the body. During learning, your mind voyages a message starting with one neuron then onto the next. At that point, in split seconds, the cerebrum makes associations between the neurons and the rest of the body for better correspondence. This encourages you to improve and makes learning things simpler. Distinctive cerebrum parts cooperate, yet these mind parts are liable for explicit capacities.
Think carefully in solid exercises like riddles, playing music, craftsmanship, and so forth.
Mental aerobics can practice and loosen up your cerebrum. A psychological exercise reinforces your mind. Remain tranquil and remain socially associated with a sound cerebrum. Evade medications and liquor. Also, quit tobacco use. Keep up an eating routine plentiful in nutrients and minerals. Your sensory system needs a decent eating routine for sound movement. A sound mind can understand and learn better.
To recapitulate the whole discussion, it is necessary to make the brain work effectively to learn new things. Learning is as important as breathing and eating. Learning should be part of a daily routine. Humans will be more productive and keep people’s minds refreshed.
References
Daniel L. Schacter; Daniel T. Gilbert; Daniel M. Wegner (2011) [2009].
Psychology, 2nd edition. Worth Publishers. p. 264. John D. Bransford, A. L. (2004).
How People Learn Brain, Mind, Experience, and School. WACHINGTON, DC: NATIONAL ACADEMY PRESS Karban, R. (2015).
Plant Learning and Memory. In: Plant Sensing and Communication. Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, pp. 31–44
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning https://study.com/academy/lesson/aristotles-organon-definition-philosophy-summary.html
https://www.circeinstitute.org/2011/03/what-are-the-tools-of-learning
Top 10 Tools in My Personal Learning Environment 2019
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-become-a-more-effective-learner-2795162
https://books.google.com.pk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=8jkBcSDQPXcC&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=ho w+to+learn&ots=nBmToxxJZ6&sig=tVUrF2EdI0mCr1BRma52xLyBmrs&redir_esc=y#v=onep age&q=how%20to%20learn&f=false
https://www.studygate.com/blog/great-educators/ THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GENIUS, achieve an IQ of 180 by 3 simple step process. (2009). New York. Joseph D. Novak, D. B. (1984).
Learn how to learn. New York: Cambridge University Press. Richard Gross, Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behavior 6E, Hachette UK
Mindbenefits Neurofeedback - The Prize Of Training 