To The Reader
Dear students and instructors,
Welcome to Critical Reading and Thinking! On the first day of every new class for the past 20 years, students introduce themselves and many echo the words “better comprehension” in response to why they took a reading course. Although the methods to reach that goal are varied, my years of research and classroom practice from kindergarten through college have led me to conclude that if I had to offer just one key to improving reading skills, it would be this: read more. So, my goal was to create a text with a foundation focused on the value of reading and ways to develop a passion for it that also includes interesting, relevant, and diverse reading materials, effective and appealing reading strategies, and interactive activities. I wanted to offer a more comprehensive approach than what is already available. For students entering a Critical Reading course who already love reading, this text will help you finetune your critical reading and thinking skills to a higher level. For those who lost their love of reading somewhere along the way, my hope is that through this text you will renew that passion, which will lead to better critical reading and thinking skills—something that will benefit you in every area of your life.
- Time Management and Preparation for Reading
- What Is Critical Thinking?
- Active Versus Passive Reading
- Just How Valuable Is Reading?
- Personal and Academic Reading Strategies
- Academic Reading Strategies
- Communication Skills
- Identifying Logical Fallacies
- Trash or Treasure?
- Identifying Key Elements: Topic, Main Idea, Supporting Details
- Digital Technology and Reading Social Media
- A Guide for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
- Spotlight on Inspirational Students