Reading in the academic context is being able to question the sources you read, understand/comprehend the ideas of others, identify how they came to their conclusions from the information provided and make connections to other sources or ideas. If you need some practice, the University of Sussex has some great activities to try.
Academic Reading Process
Step 1:
Scan the article (look at title, abstract and headings) to see if it is reliable and relevant (worth reading).
If one or more of your key words is in the title or headings, it is probably worth reading, as are your set readings!
Step 2:
Record your citation. (Even if you later decide you do not need to read this source, it might be helpful to remember what you decided not to read, just in case it comes up again in a search.)
Step 3:
Before you start, you need to decide why you are reading, as this will impact on how you read.
Are you are reading broadly, or deeply (extensively, or intensively)? Reading broadly (or skimming through material) will give you the gist. Reading deeply (or word-by-word) will give you a full understanding.
Skimming the article/contents page will help you to decide which sections (if any) you will read deeply.
Have trouble with the amount you need to read in your course? This video will help you to read efficiently. https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/how-do-i-read-efficiently
Step 4:
Pick a notetaking strategy and read the article, taking notes on sections that link directly to your topic and assignment (identifying key words will help here).
Making up your own list of abbreviations will help you here.
Step 5:
Ask why? Think about why the author would have written the text in this way? Why does it match/differ from other readings on a similar topic? Why is this relevant to you?
Notetaking Strategies
There is a wide range of strategies for notetaking (both oral and written notetaking). Explore several until you find one that works for you.
Cornell Method - helps you to organise your notes and make connections to other learning.
Graphic organisers - helpful if you like visual organisation of information.
SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) - helps promote reflecting on and remembering your notes.
Mind mapping - a fast visual style.
T Method - helps organise your thoughts and make connections to other learning.
Outline Method - the system we are all familiar with.