Hi

quote:
Originally posted by Carl Weter:
I know you are doing economics, a subject which has lots of quantitative analysis and hence studying mathematical proofs and derivations are inevitable.

Yep. A good deal of irrelevant stuff too. You won't believe how little you need of that for comprehension and examination purposes.

quote:
Originally posted by Carl Weter:
Can you suggest me how to activate a maths text?

Sure. In the same way you do everything else. In layers. The superreading and dipping process is very powerful here. Remember that comprehension does not involve stringing everything together perfectly the first time. You do not necessarily have to understand the first part of a derivation to understand the result, or have an idea of the general approach. When I have to deal with mathematics, I am particularly strict with my superreading and dipping time. I only swoop in when the material looks like an easily digestible nugget of information. If I've passed a section several times and still don't seem to have an idea of what it's about, I intuitively pick a line of mathematics that serves my purpose of understanding the math for that section. Then I ask a question about it. Previewing for math, if you like. I'm constantly amazed at the speed at which comprehension comes when I pass the same section during the next layer.

If you think all of it's important, I can probably sympathise. I thought so too, until I realised that that just isn't true. Only a portion of it is important, relative to your purpose. So...are you planning on doing well in an exam or writing a new discovery based on your reading? What's important can very different for both cases. And no...it's not a good idea to combine purposes. Just messes with one's clarity.

quote:
Originally posted by Carl Weter:
During activation of mathematical textbook, I find that trying to dip in 20% to get 80% of the meaning does not work. Because the words are so technical and explanations are quite precise as well. It's quite hard to skip any 'crap'.

Check your purpose. If the words are so technical and explanations precise, you catch them in the preview and ask questions about them. Then you catch them in a superread. Then ask more questions.

quote:
Originally posted by Carl Weter:
Also, I have to slow down to comprehend the proof, which is something i don't want to happen. Otherwise, I would not have learnt PR to increase my studying speed. Also, how did you mindmap these technical stuffs.

So move on. That's the key. I'll leave you to figure out the mind map stuff. The key is this: Build the mind map up as you get the information according to YOUR understanding.

quote:
Originally posted by Carl Weter:

I know I'm quite demanding but you are a successful PRer in activating highly technical materials and. Would you please share your experience with me? Thanks.

Get your purpose clear. And listen to Alex. I've said it before and I say it again. I wouldn't have made it without Alex. When we disagree, I've always found in hindsight that I had blinders on.

KWLee