Ninja Reading is a term that was started with the Warrior Project for soldiers who have returned from service and are taking college courses. It has become so popular that students have been asking about how to use this unique tool to help them master the reading they must do for college. This is something we, as academic coaches, hope to offer in a workshop for students either later this quarter or next quarter.
There are several steps, here are some of the most important tips:
Finally, by doing these things, by the time the reader has noted the information in the margin, he/she is ready to decide the important questions:
This way the student has a focus for their own thesis or response and can begin to brainstorm ideas and research needed for writing.
Let us know how ninja reading has worked out for you!
- Looking for certain words - highlight, underline, or note them in the margin to return to later.
- Look at all quotes - quickly evaluate the expert opinions expressed, and why the author of the article chose to use that particular quote to strengthen his/her thesis.
- Look for bracketed, circled, or otherwise noted reasons for their argument in a form - ex. if an author’s argument states reasons using terms such as “first, second, third” then these are listed reasons.
Finally, by doing these things, by the time the reader has noted the information in the margin, he/she is ready to decide the important questions:
- What is the author saying in the thesis?
- Do I agree with what the author is saying?
- Why do I agree/disagree with what the author said?
This way the student has a focus for their own thesis or response and can begin to brainstorm ideas and research needed for writing.
Let us know how ninja reading has worked out for you!