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How much writing and reading are expected?

Sometimes you can't understand what you're reading unless you break it down to annotate, and annotating takes long itself to do. Do all subjects require to do that as well?
#reading #writing #education #college

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Katy’s Answer

How much reading and writing are expected will depend on the professor, the subject, and course format. I'd definitely suggest being more thorough in online classes, since you aren't getting that in-class instruction. Some professors rely on textbooks for material and test questions, and some have no text at all. I've had all kinds of professors and course formats, and I would say, just do what you have to in order to understand and retain the information, don't overdo it if you find a subject easy, and likewise don't slack off if you think you'll be able to remember things.

Katy recommends the following next steps:

Learn what you can about the course format, professor's preferences, and your personal knowledge in the first week or so of a course
Create a study plan based on those variables, possibly to include annotation, flashcards, reviewing the text or course notes
Test how your study plan works based on your performance and update/adapt if necessary
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jeff’s Answer

If writing and reading are not for you don't go to college - instead take a training program in something at a community college or a union apprenticeship, get into sales, or some other face to face job. If you want to improve reading and writing then do a lot of it. Read everyday, books, newspapers, magazines, not just on computers the internet or your phone. Then begin writing a blog, a journal, stories, anything. Get used to it. Become a writer and reader before you go to a four year college otherwise it will just be frustrating.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Catherine,

The workload in college can vary greatly, especially when it comes to reading and writing, and it largely depends on your major and the specific courses you're taking. According to the National Survey of Student Engagement, students typically spend about 12-15 hours per week reading for their classes and another 4-6 hours per week writing papers and finishing assignments.

While annotating text is a popular study technique that can help deepen your understanding of the material, it's not necessary for every subject. Some areas of study might emphasize memorization or problem-solving skills more, while others might focus on critical thinking and analysis through extensive reading and writing.

For instance, if you're studying humanities subjects like English literature or history, you'll likely be expected to do a lot of reading from both primary and secondary sources, take detailed notes, and write long essays to demonstrate your understanding of complex ideas. On the other hand, if you're in fields like engineering or mathematics, you'll probably spend more time working on problem-solving through calculations than you will on reading or annotating texts.

It's crucial for you to talk to your professors about what they expect for reading and writing assignments in each of their courses. You can also look for resources such as tutors or academic success centers to help you develop the most effective study strategies for your personal learning style.

References:
- National Survey of Student Engagement
- National Center for Education Statistics
- American Association of State Colleges and Universities

Wishing you all the best,
James C.
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