Critical reading and critiquing research in History Europe 1848
Objectives • Have a brief discussion about critical thinking from the previous week. • How to link critical thinking to critical reading • What’s involved in critical reading – Asking the questions – Methodology of critical thinking
Reading Critically What is it? • • • •
Reading becomes and action Not just accepting what you are told QUESTION EVERYTHING!! Moving from description to analysis and evaluation • Using this analysis to take a position
Reading Critically How to do it? 1. Start with understanding the background of the work 2. What is the purpose of the text? 3. Examine the evidence or arguments presented; 4. Methodology used
Reading Critically How to do it? 5. Are there limitations on the study design or focus 6. What reasoning is used by the author? 7. Do you agree or disagree with the authors’ arguments, opinions or conclusions. Is there balance? 8. Review the work from a wider perspective. Beware of ASSUMPTIONS
What could help you... The SQ3R Process Why are you reading?
Survey Question Read Repeat Review
Set goals for your reading Read quickly: skim or scan
In-depth Critical Analysis Are your questions answered?
Types of Reading
Selective Reading -Choose sources that are relevant to your topic - Organise your reading list - Practical: look at the reading lists and decide what would be relevant
Effective Reading – Take notes while reading – Read the who article/ chapter briefly, then focus on one paragraph at a time – Summarise paragraphs into a sentence or two – Photocopy reading- great for making notes and highlighting work
As History students, you will be utilising both types of reading.
Creating reflections • There are two key purposes to your reading: – Remembering key information to be used again (gaining knowledge) – Developing your own intervention into the debate (learning)
• It is important to identify these differing purposes when you are reading
How to make critical reading easier... • Tip # 1: 40 minutes reading and 5 minute break- help with attention span and getting you use to academic reading • Tip #2: Check the footnotes and bibliographies in your readings for other relevant resources
Methodologies to get the most out of your readings...
Note making skills • Know the difference between note taking or note making • This will help you with – Understanding your readings and the topic at hand – Keep up to date with your module – Revision for your exams – Decrease stress for exams – PARAPHRASE
Types of note making styles
Linear method • Notes are written in an outline form • Good for taking detailed notes in lectures and for recording arguments/ideas.
Cornel method •Structured version of linear notes •Active note making process •Record, Reduce, Recite, Reflect and Review
•Mind maps •Useful for visual thinkers •Good for making connections between ideas •Helps fix ideas in head through visual memory.
Examples of these methods… Cues Main ideas Questions that connect points Diagrams Prompts to help you study
Notes Record notes here, using concise sentences Shorthand symbols Abbreviations Lists Leave lots of space between points
When: After class, during review
Summary
When: During class
Top level main ideas For quick reference When: After class, during review
Task- Practising Critical Reading • Read the journal article critically – What is the author’s main argument? – What are the main points brought up? – Are there any assumptions in the work? – What methodologies are use? – Are you convinced by the author’s argument?
Summary • Critical reading is vital for your academic development • Constantly ask questions with your readings and research • Note making is an important part of organising your thoughts related to your readings.
Next week… We’ll help you with understanding and making arguments – How can you strengthen your argument? – What aspects should you include when making arguments? – What should you avoid?
For more help: • Contact: monica.fernandes@brunel.ac.uk • Or attend a consultation time either on Monday 11:00-12:00 or Wednesday 14:0015:00 at MJ 243 (Wed. consultation 24th of January has been moved to Thursday at the same time)