What Are The Most Productive Ways To Study? (9 Tips & Facts)
There are productive and unproductive ways to study. In this article, learn the ways to be productive with your study, and what to avoid.
Read MoreReading and studying are both crucial parts of the learning process. Both are often interdependent and are usually done together. But, reading and studying differ in many ways. Both have unique benefits and purposes that can up your learning experience.
Difference between reading and studying? Although reading and studying are connected to each other, it serves a varied purpose. Reading refers to scanning and making sense of information. Studying requires cognitive skills to gather, store, and comprehend something.
It is easy to confuse reading with studying. Since it correlates with each other, some might think of it as a similar thing. But, reading is not studying and studying does not pertain to reading. In this article, I will detail the difference between the two.
Identifying the difference between reading and studying can help boost your learning experience. The two have different purposes, processes and types. Knowing more about the difference may help in planning study sessions. Depending on your time or needs, you may decide to do either or both.
The table below will give an idea of the contrast between reading and studying.
Reading | Studying | |
---|---|---|
Definition | To go through a reading material for particular information. | To actively engage in material to completely grasp concepts or information. |
Purpose | Gathering information. | Comprehend and memorize information. |
Requirements | Lesser time, effort, and commitment. | Thorough planning. More time, effort, and commitment. |
Process | Pre-reading Reading Responding Exploring Applying | Preview Attend class Review Study Assess |
Types | Skimming Scanning Intensive or functional Extensive or recreational Literature reading Detailed study reading | To gather information To retain information To test or refresh the memory To find the most efficient learning strategies and/or styles |
Before detailing the difference between reading and studying, let’s acknowledge the similarities. As I have mentioned, it is very easy to confuse reading with studying. This is because of the likeness of both activities.
Additionally, both reading and studying need time and consistency to see improvements. Students should make reading and studying a habit.
Despite the many similarities, reading and studying are different from one another. There are differences in terms of definition, purpose, requirements, process, and types.
Reading, in a sense, is to examine and interpret letters, symbols. Based on Merriam Webster, reading - among its many definitions - pertains to:
Studying requires the mind to actively engage when acquiring knowledge and understanding something. As defined by Merriam Webster, studying means:
As I have mentioned earlier, reading is not studying and vice versa. Sometimes reading something doesn’t mean you are studying. For example, flipping through a comic book doesn’t equate to studying it. Although reading can be a part of studying, it can be performed without the intent of learning.
Meanwhile, studying isn’t limited to reading or writing. There are other ways to study depending on a person’s learning style. Some can learn better when reading or writing. Others depend more on visuals, sounds, or physical engagement.
Reading is useful when gathering information. Connecting ideas is also a purpose of reading. It helps when re-examining or reviewing lessons without retaining much.
Studying is done to comprehend the information that you acquired from reading. Memorization is essential when studying.
Reading requires fewer effort, time, and commitment. Most of the time, reading focuses on less complex details.
Studying involves researching and analyzing. So, it may need more energy, time, and attentiveness. It focuses on specific subjects and/or complex topics.
Reading:
Studying: (based on The Study Cycle)
Reading: There are many categories for types of reading. The forms can be according to reading performance or reading-instruction programs. Listed below are the types of reading according to purpose. These are the most common varieties of reading.
Studying:
Reading and studying are similar in some ways. But both of them serve distinct purposes. There are also various processes and types involved in reading and studying. Even so, both of it can help students boost their learning experience. It is equally vital in improving academic standing or performance.
How to know whether you should read or study? Determining whether to read or study (or do both) depends on your goals or the outcome that you are expecting. It also depends on the tasks and the time that you have. As established from the details above, reading and studying have different functions. Studying is best if you aim to gain, analyze and memorize information. Meanwhile, if you want to have limited or leisure time, reading can be suitable.
When is the best time to read or study? Ideally, it is easier to insert reading in your daily routine. Skimming or scanning notes or books doesn’t take a lot of time. Depending on the type of reading that you need to do, you can do it anytime. Meanwhile, studying requires planning. To get better study sessions, you have to schedule it properly. It might depend on the energy or free time you have. Sometimes you also have to take into consideration your learning style.
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Books, learning style, reading, Studying
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