B114C6: Early Childhood Writing and Research 1 20100425 Kalpana Soni

The reading strategies that early childhood teachers need to read literature
on teaching and learning in early childhood education

It is essential for a teacher to continue reading and learning to be updated with the
state of the art of the knowledge being imparted. With the advent of internet in addition to
the large number of existing periodicals and non-periodicals, it is difficult to select
specific readings. Thus it is important to develop certain reading strategies to gain better
understanding of the academic text.

Reading strategies
To begin with one should try to become familiar with the basic vocabulary and main
issues of the subject. The academic texts, due to their erudite structure, are difficult to
comprehend and students normally get bored and frustrated.

The reader should be clear about what he/she is trying to find in the text which shall
help in guiding his/her reading. It is important to understand the text in its true spirit which
may call for more than one reading.

Highlighting key words and specific phrases, is a good practice which saves time
during summarizing the reading at a later stage. Colour codes can be used to classify
similar groups of words or phrases to speed up the second reading.

It is specifically recommended that the reader, relaxing his/her body, should try to
understand and consolidate the basic underlying issues, such as, the central point and the
conclusions of the text.

Information is displayed differently in diverse literatures such as magazines,

newspapers, proceedings and journals. To extract useful information reader has to
understand the layout of the material being read (Mind Tools Ltd.).

To improve reading comprehension, a “C.R.E.A.M learning strategy” is proposed by

Cottrell, S. (2003). This approach recommends that the reading strategies should be
adapted based on the outcomes of their practical implementation. Twelve steps for
effective study, described by Cuesta College (2003) and reading strategies recommended
by (Mind Tools Ltd.) can also be referred while planning an academic reading.
B114C6: Early Childhood Writing and Research 1 20100425 Kalpana Soni

Conclusion
Owing to the limited time and the vast available literature, certain strategies are
required to be adopted by a teacher to be an efficient reader. In this article, important
reading strategies are discussed in context to the academic reading.

References
Cottrell, S. (2003). The study skills handbook (2nd ed., pp.59). New York: Palgrave
Macmillan.

Cuesta College. (2003). 12 steps for effective studying. In, Academic support guides:
Study skills. Retrieved May15, 2010, from
http://academic.cuesta.cc.ca.us/acasupp/AS/203.HTM

Mind Tools Ltd. Reading Strategies, ‘Reading efficiently by reading intelligently’.

Retrieved on May 23, 2010, from
http://www.mindtools.com/rdstratg.html
B114C6: Early Childhood Writing and Research 1 20100425 Kalpana Soni

Discuss the habits and routines to be adopted to be successful in studies, and

ways to incorporate these new habits and routines into life.

Identify TWO challenges faced in the course of study and explain what steps are
to be taken to overcome these potential challenges.

Introduction
Pursuing an online learning course, while working full time and caring a family, is a
challenging task and calls for substantial changes in student’s habits and daily routine. To
accomplish multi-tasking schedule, the student needs better time management and a
perfect trade-off between Activities of Daily Life (ADL) and essential studies.
Consequently following habits and routines are required to be adopted for adequate
learning.

Time management
The key to time management is to know my ADL and their durations. Time should be
allotted to the unforeseen events and scheduled rest for myself. Certain scientific tools
proposed by Cottrell, S. (2003) can be used to implement my time management strategies.
These tools include ten time-saving suggestions which help in taking quick notes and
writing concisely. Maintaining diary is a good practice to learn where the time is going. A
time circle or a planner sheet is also helpful in organizing activities. Classifying and
prioritizing ADL’s shall provide insight into the importance of our actions and shall help
in discarding or subletting less important activities. Finally, to meet the deadlines
“working backwards from deadlines” strategy recommended by Cottrell, S. (2003) may be
used.

Motivation
Being an online student studying in solitude, I need continuous motivation to pursue
my readings to keep aside boredom and occasional anxiety and frustration. Looking back
to my earlier academic achievements and the higher goal ahead of me, would surely
strengthen my motivation. A questionnaire provided by Cottrell, S. (2003) has helped me
to clearly establish my goals. I prefer laying down short plans to accomplish a strategy and
work hard to fulfil them. Fortunately I have friends and family to encourage and inspire
me in my academic endeavour and protect me from possible self-sabotages.
B114C6: Early Childhood Writing and Research 1 20100425 Kalpana Soni

Adapting the learning style

I have found that my learning style is of a logician kind and interestingly it has helped
me to adapt to my studies quickly. Reading rationally and understanding the core meaning
of texts helps me in remembering things for long.

Cultivating research skills

When expressing an idea or opinion it should be well supported by state of the art
knowledge. This knowledge can be built by joining together pieces of information
composed from variety of sources such as periodic and non-periodic publications. Library
and internet are the two main sources of information which need to be used efficiently.

Note-making and improving reading speed

To collect information efficiently, better note making techniques are required. Use of
book marks, charts, pointers, abbreviations and acronyms etc. help in improving reading
speed.

Two major challenges and possible ways to surmount

I consider that out of many, two major challenges which I am going to face are better
time management and development of research skills. I am working full time and then
have family responsibilities thus I get less quality time to allocate for my studies.
Apparently I must exercise an effective time management. Further, owing to the nature of
this course I am required to learn general research skills to enable me access the specific
study material from vast ocean of print and electronic information.

Steps to be taken to improve Time management skills

1. Organise time
2. Set priorities
3. Diary keeping
4. Adopting ten time saving suggestions
5. Working backwards from deadlines

Steps to be taken to improve Research skills

1. Learn to use of library at NZTC effectively
2. Developing skills to brows internet efficiently
3. Learn to use the online study material available on NZTC website
B114C6: Early Childhood Writing and Research 1 20100425 Kalpana Soni

Conclusions

References