Reading is an essential skill that allows us to gain knowledge, learn new concepts, and experience the joy of getting lost in a good book. However, in our fast-paced modern society, many people have developed the habit of speed reading through material as quickly as possible. While being able to read quickly does have some benefits, reading too fast can also have many downsides. In this article, we will explore the science behind reading comprehension, analyze what happens when we read too quickly, and provide tips on how to read at an optimal pace.
How does our brain comprehend what we read?
To understand what occurs when we read too rapidly, it is helpful to first examine the cognitive processes behind reading comprehension.
Research shows there are two main stages involved in making sense of written material:
Stage 1: Decoding the words
This initial step involves recognizing the words on the page and sounding them out in our heads. It requires translating the visual patterns of letters into meaningful language sounds and units. This is known as phonological decoding. Proficient readers can perform this decoding step rapidly and automatically, without needing to consciously sound out each word.
Stage 2: Comprehending the meaning
The second stage involves making sense of the words and sentences to extract meaning. This requires activating our prior knowledge about the topic, processing the relationships between concepts, interpreting the author’s purpose, and integrating the new information into our existing mental frameworks. Comprehension is an active thinking process that allows us to construct meaning from words on the page.
Research utilizing brain imaging technology shows that decoding words and comprehending meaning activate different networks in the brain. Decoding relies more on sensory processing regions, while comprehension activates widespread neural networks related to thinking, focus, and memory.
For skilled reading comprehension to occur, both the decoding and comprehension stages need to operate smoothly together in a coordinated fashion. Problems can arise when reading rate is not properly calibrated to allow this integration.
What happens when we read too fast?
Reading too quickly can disrupt both the initial decoding process and the deeper comprehension of material. Here are some of the common things that can happen:
Loss of phonological decoding accuracy
When we read very rapidly, our eyes start to skip over words and phrases. This can lead to verbally mispronouncing words in our heads. Reading expert Timothy Shanahan notes that fluent phonological decoding is important for reading proficiency. If we decoding words incorrectly by reading too fast, it harms comprehension.
Reduced vocabulary absorption
Another casualty of fast reading speed is vocabulary development. Part of comprehension involves actively engaging with new words, looking up definitions if needed, and cementing them into memory. Rushing through texts means we don’t spend time improving vocabulary. Researchers have found a strong correlation between reading comprehension and vocabulary knowledge.
Impaired ability to make inferences
Making inferences involves going beyond what is explicitly stated in order to deduce deeper meaning. This requires dwelling on the implicit connections and implications woven through texts. Quick reading often means missing opportunities to read between the lines.
Lack of absorption of key details
When skimming through material quickly, our eyes are prone to gloss over key names, dates, locations and other details. This can make it difficult to recall specifics or fully construct mental models of the content. Paying closer attention helps absorption of details.
Shallow thinking and analysis
Truly comprehending a text requires thinking deeply about what we read – questioning, analyzing, and forming our own perspectives. Speed reading does not allow much time for reflection and rigorous thought. Research shows reading comprehension is improved when readers actively think while reading.
Poor retention and recall
Numerous studies have demonstrated that fast reading reduces long-term retention of material. Our working memory can only hold a limited amount of fleeting information at once. Slowing down helps transfer what we read into more permanent storage in our long-term memory.
Loss of enjoyment and appreciation
Part of the pleasure and value of reading is being able to savor texts, immerse ourselves in the author’s skilled use of language, and fully appreciate the nuances of meaning. Rushing through books may get us to the end more quickly, but it can also diminish our enjoyment.
Increased mind-wandering
Research utilizing eye-tracking technologies shows that when people read quickly, their eyes tend to fixate less on each word and they are more prone to mind-wandering – thinking about other random topics unrelated to the text. Slowing down can help sustain focus.
Benefits of finding your optimal reading speed
The problems that arise from reading too rapidly may make it seem like we should slow down as much as possible. However, research suggests there is a balance to be struck to harness the advantages of fluent, proficient reading while still comprehending deeply.
Here are some of the key benefits that can come from finding your optimal reading pace:
– Improved focus and absorption of material
– Ability to comprehend complex ideas and relationships
– Aids critical and original thinking about texts
– Expanded vocabulary from concentrating on new words
– Long-term retention and recall of key information
– Immersive enjoyment and appreciation of reading
– Consistent pacing tailored to different material and purposes
The optimal speed is different for each person and text. For example, you may read a thrilling fiction novel faster than a dense academic text. Adjusting your pace aids effectiveness. Sticking to a suitable speed can help reading comprehension while minimizing the downsides of reading too slowly or quickly.
Tips for finding your optimal reading pace
Here are some tips and techniques you can utilize to find your optimal reading speed and comprehension balance:
Vary your reading speed
Experiment with different paces when reading. Try speeding up for straightforward news articles but slowing down for complex material. Notice when your comprehension becomes impaired.
Use your finger or a guide
Gently guiding your eyes along with your finger or a pen can regulate speed and focus your gaze.
Read aloud
Reading aloud prevents you from skimming too quickly. Hearing the words aids phonological decoding.
Chunk content
Break texts into smaller chunks. Pause between sections to absorb material before continuing.
Ask and summarize
Stop periodically to ask yourself questions and briefly summarize key ideas. This boosts comprehension.
Limit distractions
Reduce external distractions like phone pings to maintain focus at an appropriate pace.
Notice when your mind wanders
Pay attention to when your focus drifts while reading fast. Re-read sections where concentration lapsed.
Use a pointer or ruler
Slide a pointer or ruler beneath text to guide focus and cut off peripheral vision.
Time yourself
Note how long it takes to read a passage or section. Try slowing down if it goes too quickly.
Conclusion
In summary, reading too quickly can impair phonological decoding, vocabulary acquisition, inference making, retention of details, deeper analysis, concentration, enjoyment, and overall comprehension. Finding your optimal pace that allows immersive, focused attention can enhance understanding and skill development. Experiment with techniques like varying speed, reading aloud, using guides, chunking material, and minimizing distractions to find your ideal reading rate. Calibrating your speed while employing active reading strategies can boost comprehension and enjoyment.