The article delineates the process of independent reading and why it is essential for personal growth and development. It looks at a unique aspect of reading as an activity directly related to learning, provided an individual engages in it with an open mind ready to shed preconceived ideas and take up new ideas. Specifically, it deconstructs the preconceived notion of what independent reading is based on the curriculum and teaching practices and builds a new idea around what independent reading means and how it should be approached.
Summary Information
The article essentially highlights that independent reading is not about the amount of time an individual engages in reading uninterrupted or whether or not they understand a given section of their assigned reading as expected by their teachers or tutors. Rather, it is about the impact that the reading eventually has on one’s mind, body, and the life they live afterwards (Beers and Probst, 2021). The main idea is that reading as a learning activity is about ones development of independent thinking with curiosity, logic, and compassion that ultimately leads to growth.
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Reflection
Independent reading is one of the main goals of education as learning to be an independent reader helps one maintain the constant learning process. One of the experiences I am reminded of by the article is how I learned independent reading and its importance. For as far as I can remember, I liked reading, and I often engaged in reading any article of newspaper, book, brochures, billboards, and literally, anything I came across that had words on it. Often these readings were stories that I enjoyed but didn't have much impact on how I think and the ultimate state of my mind. However, with time I learned the value of what I read in their description of what is and what has been and could be.
Reading helps the mind imagine and be actively involved in the evaluation of different aspects and occurrences in life. It helps set the boundaries and limits of what is possible and what is not, thereby given g a frame of reference for future discoveries. It helps one understand their surroundings and existence and even partially answer existential questions such as why certain phenomena happen and how they happen. Reading independently contributes to the growth of the mind and change of heart. It enhances a better understanding of the contexts of life and therefore enables one to live a much more meaningful and purposeful life. Regardless of what you engage in reading, when it comes to independent reading what you learn from reading is the most important.
After reading the article, it is clear to me that reading is how all understanding and progress is gained, and for this reason, I would recommend the article to others. However, there is a wide range of other information sources and ways such as videos and movies in the contemporary environment. In fact, a majority of books, novels, and studies are being developed into documentaries, movies, and short video clips. What is the difference in learning via reading books versus learning via watching the adapted movies or documentaries of the same reading materials?
Reference
Beers K. and Probst R. (2021).The invitation to Independence: What Being an independent reader really means. Literacy Today.
