Want to Remember More of What You Read? Do These 4 Things, According to a Linguistics Professor

 

## Want to Remember More of What You Read? Do These 4 Things, According to a Linguistics Professor

Improving reading retention is a common challenge for many learners. According to insights from linguistics experts, there are effective strategies that can significantly enhance your ability to remember what you read. Here are four key recommendations:

### 1. **Preview the Material**

Before diving into a text, take a moment to skim through it. Look at headings, subheadings, and any highlighted or bolded terms. This helps create a mental framework for the information you are about to encounter. By familiarizing yourself with the structure and key concepts beforehand, you can better integrate new information as you read[1][2].

### 2. **Engage with the Content**

Active engagement is crucial for retention. This can be achieved through various methods:

- **Take Notes**: Jot down key points or summarize sections in your own words. This process helps reinforce memory.

- **Ask Questions**: Formulate questions about the material as you read. This encourages deeper thinking and connection-making.

- **Discuss with Others**: Sharing insights or discussing the material with peers can solidify your understanding and recall[3][5].

### 3. **Use Repetition**

Revisiting material is one of the most effective ways to enhance memory retention. After completing a reading, go back and review important sections multiple times. This could mean re-reading chapters or summarizing what you've learned at different intervals (e.g., after one day, one week). Repetition helps transfer information from short-term to long-term memory[2][4].

### 4. **Apply What You Learn**

Putting new knowledge into practice can significantly improve retention. Whether through writing essays, teaching others, or applying concepts in real-life scenarios, active application reinforces learning. For instance, if you read about a specific theory, try to relate it to current events or personal experiences[5][6].

By implementing these strategies—previewing material, engaging actively, utilizing repetition, and applying knowledge—you can enhance your reading comprehension and retention effectively.

Citations:

[1] https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/slc/language-learning-resources/learning-tips/reading

[2] https://gianfrancoconti.com/2016/09/24/eleven-low-preparationhigh-impact-tips-for-enhancing-reading-tasks/

[3] https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2021/8/19-1

[4] https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/562913-tips-for-reading-teachers.pdf

[5] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/professor-dans-simple-study-tips-language-learners-villarreal-ph-d-

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvOC_JyfO0Q

[7] https://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/blog/what-is-linguistic-comprehension-in-the-simple-view-of-reading

[8] https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20221103-how-language-warps-the-way-you-perceive-time-and-space