SKIMMING AND SCANNING SCIENTIFIC MATERIAL

Skimming involves searching for the main ideas by reading the first and last
paragraphs, noting other organizational cues, such as summaries, used by the author.

Scanning involves running your eyes down the page looking for specific facts or key
words and phrases.

Skimming and scanning are particularly valuable techniques for studying
scientific textbooks. Science writers pack many facts and details closely
together, and students react by shifting their reading speeds to the lowest gear
and crawling through the material. Notwithstanding the fact that science
textbooks are usually well-organized, with main points and sub-topics clearly
delineated, the typical student ignores these clues and plods through the
chapter word-by-word, trying to cram it all in.

It is precisely these characteristics, organization and density of facts per page,
that make it so vital that you employ skimming scanning techniques. To
successfully master science test, you must understand thoroughly the major
ideas and concepts presented. Without such a conceptual framework, you will
find yourself faced with the impossible task of trying to cram hundreds of
isolated facts into your memory. thus, a preliminary skimming for the main ideas
by using the author's organization cues (Topic headings, italics, summaries,
etc.) is a vital preliminary step to more intensive reading and maximum
retentions. It will provide a logical framework in which to fit the details.

Similarly, scanning skills are valuable for several purposes in studying science.
First, they are an aid in locating new terms, which are introduced in the chapter.
Unless you understand the new terms, it is impossible to follow the author's
reasoning without dictionary or glossary. Thus a preliminary scanning of the
chapters will alert you to the new terms and concepts and their sequence. when
you locate a new term, try to find its definition. If you are not able to figure out
the meaning, then look it up in the glossary or dictionary. (Note: usually new
terms are defined as they are introduced in science texts. If your text does not
have a glossary, it is a good idea to keep a glossary of your own in the front
page of the book. Record the terms and their definition or the page number
where the definition is located. This is an excellent aid to refer to when you are
reviewing for an examination, as it provides a convenient outline of the course).

Secondly, scanning is useful in locating statements, definitions, formulas, etc.
which you must remember completely and precisely. Scan to find the exact and
complete statement of a chemical law., the formula of a particular compound in
chemistry, or the stages of cell division. Also, scan the charts and figures, for
they usually summarize in graphic form the major ideas and facts of the
chapter.

If you practice these skimming and scanning techniques prior to reading a
science chapter, you will find that not only will your intensive reading take much
less time, but that your retention of the important course details will greatly
improve.