Tips and Help

Most of us haven't had any reading instruction since elementary school. It's expected that once we can read a sentence, we're all done learning how to read. The issue with that is that different genres are set up to be read differently. In other words, how we read poetry is different than how we read a storybook is different than how we read a textbook. But most of us wind up approaching all reading the same because we learned to read for fiction, which is typically read linearly (meaning, start at the beginning and just read until you are done). 

However, there are many genres that are more effectively read non-linearly, such as comics, storybooks, textbooks, and academic articles.

For academic genres like textbooks and academic articles, the following approach will often help with both focus and comprehension because you'll be actively working to find the most important information instead of just trying to get through the chapter/article. 

Reading Textbook Chapters

1. Read the blurb at the start of the chapter and the chapter title to see what the main topic is. 

2. Skim the chapter, reading the headers and looking over any graphs/images to see a sense of the sub-topics that will be covered. (Skimming means you are not reading every paragraph and sentence, but just glancing through it).

3. Go to the end of the chapter. Read through any key ideas and review questions. 

4. Use the key ideas and review questions as a way to find the most important information in the chapter. Go back to the section/paragraph that covers that topic and read it to ensure you understand the idea and/or can answer the review question. Then go back to the key ideas/questions for the next one. 

5. As you read to answer those questions/understand the key ideas, take notes on a separate piece or paper and/or annotate your textbook using highlighter/underlining, notes in the margins, or notes on post-it notes to keep track of the main ideas. 

6. Once you have made it through the key ideas and review questions, reskim the chapter to see if there are any other ideas that you missed and might help with understanding the concepts. 

Reading Academic Articles

There are several types of academic articles and some of them need to be read slightly differently. Below we will cover the main two categories, new studies and reviews/analysis of already existing research. 

Studies

You will be able to tell if your article is a new study based on the sections in the article. A study will typically have the following sections: abstract, introduction, background (research that has already been done on this topic), methodologies, results, discussion/conclusion. It may also have a limitations section. 

One of the ways to quickly and efficiently read a study is as follows:

1. Read the abstract

2. Skip to the end and read the conclusion. At this point, you should be able to determine if this study is usable for your research question/thesis. If it is not because it's too specific or slightly off-topic, stop reading at this point and find something else. If it's usable, continue the following steps:

3. Read the introduction and background to make sure you understand how this study relates to other research that has been done already on this topic (you may also find useful information for your paper in the background section or additional articles taht you want to find based on the sources the study cites in this section). 

4. Skim read the methodology and results sections. Much of this will likely not make sense at this point. That's okay. 

5. If the paper has a limitation section, read that to see what should be taken into consideration while using this research. If it does not, glance through the methodologies just to make sure nothing stands out to you (like there was only a sample size of 10, etc). 

6. Read the discussion section and reread the conclusion. This is likely where the information that you will be using in your paper will come from, since it's the actual findings of the study. 

Literature Review or Meta-analysis

These types of academic articles look at the research that has already been done on a topic and analyze the findings together. These types of articles are especially helpful when you are doing research in a new field/on a new topic that you haven't already read extensively on (so, as you might imagine, most research you will be conducting as undergraduates). 

You may find that you need to read these articles in their entirety, but you also will likely want tostart with the following method:

1. Read the abstract. Similarly to a study, you want to first determine if this is on-topic for your thesis/research question or won't cover the topics and sub-topics you are looking for. 

2. Skim through the headers of the paper. This will give you a sense of the sub-topics that will be covered. 

3. Read the conclusion to see what their final analysis is and if there are any limitations that are mentioned. 

4. Go back to the begginging and read the introduction. 

5. Then skim through the paper and read the sub-topics that are most related to your thesis/research question. You may find that there are some sub-topics that are on specific things that you won't be covering in your paper and that you want to skip them. You may also find that the whole paper appears useful to your topic. In that case, read the whole paper. 

If you find yourself struggling to stay focused while reading for your classes, first make sure that you are reading effectively (see section above this for more). 

If you are using the strategies outlined in that section already and you still find yourself unable to concentrate, try the following. Note: these may or may not work for you, but these are some of the more common issues with focus and reading (particularly when reading digitally). 

Create a Reading-friendly Environment

1. Sit at a desk or somewhere that you associate with doing work. You may even find that you work better at a library or coffee shop where other people are working.

2. Put your phone on silent or turn it off. Do not attempt to multi-task with text messages and social media while reading—that's setting yourself up for problems. 

3. If you are reading on paper, put all other devices away or close out all apps/software on your computer that you are not using. 

4. If you are reading digitally, turn off notifications temporarily on your device. (Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android all have some version of Do Not Disturb). 

While You are Reading

1. Use the reading strategies outlined under "Reading Effectively" (above). 

2. Keep a pen and paper out and take notes while reading. 

3. Take regular breaks. 

Other Strategies 

While the above strategies are pretty universal (it's hard, if not impossible, to stay focused on reading while also texting), there are also some additional strategies that you may want to try if you still find it hard to get started and/or stay focused once you're reading.

Check Your Physical State

Are you hungry? Thirsty? Comfortable? Tired? When was the last time you drank a glass of water? Sometimes we're feeling especially unfocused and unable to work on things because our body needs something else. Take care of any physical needs first so that your brain is more equipped to focus. 

Pomodoro Method

The Pomodoro Method suggests using a timer and then working for a set period of time followed by taking a short break. After four rounds of work time, you then take a longer break. 

This method can also help with getting started if you're feeling stuck in procrastination land (it's easier to say "I'm just going to work for 15 or 20 minutes" than to say "I have to study for hours). 

While the traditional Pomodoro Method is 25 minutes of work followed by a 5 minutes break, I sometimes find it's easier to convince myself to get started with a 10-minute work period. Then after a few rounds, if I'm getting into a flow/groove, I can increase the work time periods. 

Flowtime Method

The Flowtime Method is similar to the Pomodoro Method, but you don't stop if you get into a flow during one of your work periods. This allows for a little more flexibility and also helps keep the interruptions down (no timer to interrupt you and tell you to stop working and take a break). 

To use the Flowtime Method, pick a specific task and start working on it. Don't stop until you feel tired or distracted and then take a break. The length of the break is determined by how long you were working. Then once you've taken a break, you go again. 

Combination of the Two Methods

Personally, I use a combination of the two. If I can't seem to get started on a task, I will use a very short Pomodoro work period (just work for 10 minutes) to force myself to get started. Then if I need a break when the first timer goes off, I'll take the break and keep using Pomodoro for the time being. If the timer goes off and I'm getting into a flow, I'll ignore the ding and just keep working until I feel tired/distracted. 

The trick with any focus or study methods is to find out what works for you. Experiment and try different things. You also may find that something works one day and doesn't work the next—that's okay. The more tools you have in your toolbox for reading, studying, and doing focused work, the more likely you are to be able to work through the problems. 

Many of the tips for focusing while writing are the same as how to focus while reading. 

Note: these may or may not work for you, but these are some of the more common issues with focus while writing or doing schoolwork.

Create a Writing-friendly Environment

1. Sit at a desk or somewhere that you associate with doing work. You may even find that you work better at a library or coffee shop where other people are working.

2. Put your phone on silent or turn it off. Do not attempt to multi-task with text messages and social media while writing—that's setting yourself up for problems. 

3. Turn off notifications temporarily on your computer. (Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android all have some version of Do Not Disturb). 

While You are Writing

1. Do all the pre-writing and planning that you need before you start writing. 

   1. • For example, if you are writing a research paper, you will need to have read your sources, figured out what your main points are, and organized your research ahead of time in order to be able to write effectively. If you are writing an essay, it's helpful to have done some brainstorming or outlining before you start writing. 

2. Break the task into parts. Don't try to tackle the whole paper at once. Start with the body paragraphs or one of the main ideas you want to cover. You do not need to write a paper linearly (e.g. starting with the introduction and writing in order). 

Other Strategies 

Similar to staying focused while reading, the following may help with any sort of focus task:

Check Your Physical State

Are you hungry? Thirsty? Comfortable? Tired? When was the last time you drank a glass of water? Sometimes we're feeling especially unfocused and unable to work on things because our body needs something else. Take care of any physical needs first so that your brain is more equipped to focus. 

Pomodoro Method

The Pomodoro Method suggests using a timer and then working for a set period of time followed by taking a short break. After four rounds of work time, you then take a longer break. 

This method can also help with getting started if you're feeling stuck in procrastination land (it's easier to say "I'm just going to work for 15 or 20 minutes" than to say "I have to study for hours). 

While the traditional Pomodoro Method is 25 minutes of work followed by a 5 minutes break, I sometimes find it's easier to convince myself to get started with a 10-minute work period. Then after a few rounds, if I'm getting into a flow/groove, I can increase the work time periods. 

Flowtime Method

The Flowtime Method is similar to the Pomodoro Method, but you don't stop if you get into a flow during one of your work periods. This allows for a little more flexibility and also helps keep the interruptions down (no timer to interrupt you and tell you to stop working and take a break). 

To use the Flowtime Method, pick a specific task and start working on it. Don't stop until you feel tired or distracted and then take a break. The length of the break is determined by how long you were working. Then once you've taken a break, you go again. 

Combination of the Two Methods

Personally, I use a combination of the two. If I can't seem to get started on a task, I will use a very short Pomodoro work period (just work for 10 minutes) to force myself to get started. Then if I need a break when the first timer goes off, I'll take the break and keep using Pomodoro for the time being. If the timer goes off and I'm getting into a flow, I'll ignore the ding and just keep working until I feel tired/distracted. 

The trick with any focus or study methods is to find out what works for you. Experiment and try different things. You also may find that something works one day and doesn't work the next—that's okay. The more tools you have in your toolbox for reading, studying, and doing focused work, the more likely you are to be able to work through the problems. 

Coming soon. 

Since many students at a community college plan to transfer to a four-year university or apply for programs, such as nursing, which require an application process, many of you may find yourself needing letters of recommendation in the next few years. Since this can be a confusing process if you haven't done it before, I've put together some advice and links to resources below.

Summary

• Give your professors at least a month (longer is better).

• Make sure to choose someone who knows you well and is appropriate for the program/position/etc. that you are trying to get into.

• Include enough information in your initial request that your professor can make an informed decision about whether they feel they can provide this recommendation.

• Provide the information and materials to your professor about the program/position/etc and also about yourself.

Timeline

Before you do anything else, make sure you give yourself a reasonable timeline. Writing letters of recommendation takes time for your professor. For some context, one letter can take me several hours to write to make sure that I am doing the student justice. I'll look back through their coursework, brainstorm what traits I think will be most important to highlight, write the letter, and then revise it. Just like any type of high-stakes writing, this takes time. And you don't want a rushed letter of recommendation—that situation will not do you justice.

Here's a good timeline for asking for a letter of recommendation:

• 2 months before the deadline: Figure out who you want to ask and get your materials in order (see Materials section below).

• 6 weeks before the deadline: Ask your professor(s) for the letter of recommendation; if they agree, offer to meet with them and send the materials to them. Additionally, ask if they would like a reminder at some point.

• 1 week before the deadline: If you haven't received the recommendation or heard from the professor, send a follow-up email. Do not pester with daily/weekly emails through this process, but sometimes, unfortunately, things fall off people's radars unintentionally, so a one-week (polite) follow-up is generally appropriate.

Now, sometimes things come up suddenly, like a scholarship, and most professors understand that. However, you still need to be reasonable in that they are going to try to squeeze this work in between all their other work, so two weeks should be the absolute minimum timeline. And that timeline is a "rushed timeline," so while a professor may be able to get it done in that time if they understand that you didn't have much warning on needing this (like a scholarship opportunity that popped up suddenly), they will be less willing to move their workload around if this was lack of planning on your part. In other words, for any letters needed for getting into a program or school, make sure you give your professors plenty of time.

Additionally, by asking early, if you have a professor turn down your request, you will still have enough time to ask someone else.

Who do I ask?

It is important that you ask a professor:

• Who knows you and your strengths

• Is an appropriate professor for this particular letter of recommendation?

Make sure to ask someone who will likely feel that they got to know you and your strengths during the semester(s) you took them. If you didn't participate in the class or did the bare minimum, it will be hard for the professor to honestly say that they know enough about you to give that recommendation.

Additionally, make sure that you are asking the right professor for the position/program. For example, if you are trying to get an internship at a bioengineering lab, a recommendation from your English teacher will likely not be considered a strong recommendation. For general university admittance, any professor will usually be fine. But if you are trying to get into a specialized program, scholarship, internship, or position, make sure you are asking professors who are in that field or adjacent to that field.

Initial Request

Make sure to approach your initial request as a question and not an assumption that they will write you a letter of recommendation. If a professor feels that they do not know you very well, they might not feel comfortable recommending you.

For your initial request, I recommend that you include the following information:

• The class and semester you had that professor (we have many students in a year and sometimes it takes a minute to place a name with a face).

• What you are applying for that requires the recommendation?

• When the recommendation is due.

• A brief explanation of why you want to get into this program/school/etc. (e.g. Why should they write the recommendation for you?)

Materials

The information and materials you should provide your professor may vary with the program, position, or reason that you need the letter of recommendation. However, the following should always be provided:

• Any details you have about what you are applying for and what they are looking for. You can often link the professor to this information or copy and paste the blurb that you received from this program/scholarship/etc.

• Who this should be addressed to (if specified), where it needs to go, and any important dates.

• Your personal deadlines—if it's currently February and the deadline for the program is June 15th, if you would like to have your materials in by April 30th, be sure to specify that. Just make sure you are giving the professor enough time.

• Why do you want to be accepted into this program/get this scholarship/get this internship/etc. Why does this matter to you? How does it help you reach your goals?

• Any other information that might be useful, such as your transcripts (if the scholarship requires certain grades/achievement), a reminder of a particular project you did in that professor's class that is worth mentioning, what you think your strengths are as a student and why this would be a good fit for you. Basically, the more information your professor has about you, the easier it will be for them to write a good quality letter of recommendation.

Additional Resources

How to Ask a Professor for a Letter of Recommendation

The Dos and Don'ts of Asking Professors for Recommendation Letters

How to Ask Your Professor for a Letter of Recommendation (with template emails!)