Whitehair,
I note a couple of anxiety issues that are not directly related to your photoreading skills coming into play.
Mind mapping, worrying about what colours to use... my system is to have 8 different coloured markers on the right. Pick up one (makes no difference so it's usually the closest) Once I used it for the main branch it goes to the left side out of the way. I draw when I get the idea to draw... I don't care nor try to force it.
Purpose, Yours: What do you want to know from the book, Why do you want to know? When do you want to know it by? How much do you need to know (to get your best passing grade). Who is going to know that you know? Where are you going to be when you know?
Purpose, From the book/chapter: What is the book/chapter about? How does this apply to what I am learning? When does this apply? Where can I use this? Why is it relevant? Who can I tell this to.
These are general questions think of some that are more relevant to you.
Your other anxiety seems to be with remembering the stuff when you are tested.
Well that's what you create mind maps or notes for to help trigger your recall of the information. Ideally you are seeking to understand the information so that you can apply it. You won't need to be top of the class parroting back the information for the instructor. You really just need to do your best and pass. With your lifeskills you have already acquired you probably have more resources than you are consciously aware of.
So create your mind maps as beautiful or ugly as you please. Review the one you just created at the end of your study session. 5 minutes should do, if there is anything you put on it that you don't fully understand at this point then fix it. Next study session start by reviewing your last (say 5) mind maps if there is anything there that doesn't make sense at this point go back to the material and pull it back out this shouldn't take long. About once a week review your older mind maps... do the same for them. Don't worry if you seem to be forgetting stuff. A 70% recall is considered excellent in the long run. Without that review the recall can drop to 30%
If you feel you are answering the questions provided in the book or those you come up with too easily at this point... it is perhaps because you have a better understanding for the subject than you give yourself credit for. I don't know what textbook you are working with your limit of 30 minutes per chapter may be a bit harsh even for an experienced photoreader. Remember textbooks usually require less time to read but heaps more time to understand.
You have a conscious graps of the photoreading steps and seem to be doing all the steps. Remember it takes time to get used to doing something differently and your mind searches for reasons and excuses to avoid getting out of your comfort zone. So go easy on yourself. Smile at the learning curve you may not get there right now but later in the day you've moved ahead a little.
====================
Ivan
quote:
During the activation, if you happen to super read about 1 or 2 pages and got absolutlt nothing from them, can that show that there is nothing relevent/significant for me or the answer i am looking for is not present?
Yes and it could also mean consider rephrasing the question if you feel that the answer should be on those pages.
quote:
Alex, a question for you - do you use speed reading for forum posts? :-)
Nope I photoread them, hit post reply if required. Longer threads I superead and dip after it's in the reply window, to quickly locate the parts I answer or quote.
Alex
