We said in class that the key to effective annotation is to think of it like conversing with the author. Hence, you are responding to the text the way you would in a face-to-face discussion. This is especially helpful in research situations, as the author's ideas can help you answer your research question.
A way to visualize this is to think of your sources as people discussing your topic over dinner. You ask each the same question (your research question), and they then respond with answers (the sources). Not all of the answers will be the same. Often, you will have to decide which answers make sense to you and which you find problematic. In doing so, you should be able to develop what you see as YOUR answer.
Your paper then becomes your response to these people. Annotation is the first step; it allows you to start forming your response to each source and, hence, how each source can be used in your paper.
With this in mind, please answer the following in your comment:
- What reading method(s) have you used to comprehend and use complex texts (books, articles, essays, websites, etc.) in the past? Have they been effective? Why or why not?
- In your past experiences, what have you found challenging about incorporating research into your writing?
- How did using annotation in class make reading complex material easier for you? What did you difficult about using this method?
The reading methods I have used to comprehend the text of whatever sort to construct an essay is looking for symbolism, patterns, and the main idea/message the author is trying to get across. I sometimes try to think how this is relative in life, why someone would write this, the purpose of writing it. Yes they have been effective just my problem is getting all the information collected together into well organized thoughts. I have a good mind set when taking apart a story and looking into it further than the words on the paper read.
ReplyDeleteIn my past I can’t really say there was anything too challenging about incorporating research into my writing I feel as if sometimes the only problem this would create is where to put the information. I have somewhat of a good eye to seek research into a paper it makes my logical thinking more complex to make an argument to either use the research stronger or fight against it in some way shape or form.
Annotations make writing pieces and poems especially easier for me because this helps me point out the “in the nutshell” message and I can write all over the passage and make connections that tie with the beginning and the end to help conduct repetition and find the theme. I didn’t find anything difficult with this method. The first time I would go through the passage and just read the paper, look for the whole complete theme. Then I would read it a second time looking for just key things that popped out to my attention the first time I read the passage. And then the third time it would all piece together.
Mike Osborne
ReplyDeleteIn the past, all I have really done to comprehend and annotate was to skim back over the text and highlight. I tended to be a last minute kind of writer, so my research papers were especially messy. For this reason, the whole process was challenging. This annotation method really seems to make sense, because as I will be comprehending what I am reading, I can take notes and start to prewrite. I have not started to annotate yet for my paper, however nothing really seems difficult about this method.
I have not in the past used a specific reading method. I have used my own which includes reading, reading over, reading over it again and then try putting the text into my own words.I would say that this method has got me through but not very effective.When I read I am just reading the text I don't get "under the surface" or truly understand what I am reading. The problems I have had in the past with research is becoming over whelmed with all the information. Annotation made reading easier because it was a way of breaking down the information and getting a better understanding of the topic. I found the method to useful and easy, as of right now I not having any problems with it.
ReplyDeleteThis is Katlyn Wilkie
ReplyDelete1.)Using books, articles or any other type of texts, the reading methods I have used was to find the main idea or topic first and then see the reason behind it. I would also find symbols or examples that would be related to what the author was talking about. For the most part these methods have been helpful, sometimes I would write notes in the margins or on the side too so I could just go back and remember what that part was about or what I was thinking but at times these methods would not be that effective because I would forget what I was thinking or my organizational skills were not that great or the method was new to me and I was not used to it.
2.)This is the first major research project I have done in awhile and we are just beginning, so we have not done all that much research quite yet to figure out what my challenges will be . Even though we have just begun this project , from other big research projects I have done before a few of the challenges I have came across to were organization, putting everything together and knowing that the information I have are good enough sources to use.
3.) From looking back at today’s class at how to use the annotation method I realized that I have used this method before but it was not called the same thing and I found it easy once I knew what I looking for, then by marking it. What was difficult about this particular method? It was difficult to know when to write in the margins to make comments or questions and when you go to underline something to not mix up both the argument and the evidence.
Tanya Dominguez
ReplyDelete1. The reading methods I have used in the past are to find the main idea of whatever I'm reading and to skim through the book and see what else the reading is about. I also just make mental notes about something I don't understand and then go back to it later to better understand the reading.
2. What I have found challenging in research from past experiences is that I tend to look for more information that the research questions asks. Sometimes I don't know if the source is a good one for my research question and then I get off track. Other times, I just can't find anything good that can help me with my research paper.
3. Annotation makes it easier for me because I can mark arguments and the evidence that supports those arguments. I can make little notes that allows me to grasp some key points from paragraphs and later come back to it to see what was it about. I don't believe this was difficult at all because I have been using this method for a little while and find it helpful.
By George Brauchle
ReplyDeleteWell in the past I have used many methods to get information and I have found that the reading method has been the best. I would just skim through a book or whatever it was I was looking at and would only take some notes. Some of the things that I did wrong were I would get to much information or it would not fit with my topic in the paper and also I would try and find stuff that I thought was right and then come to find out it was something I didn’t even need. I have found that as we did the stuff in last class with annotation that it made it a lot easier to understand and focus on one thing at a time. This will help me out a lot in this paper and in many others to come.
In the past i didnt really use a specific method. I would read the article or short story by myself the first time and if I didnt get it i would have someone read it to me and help me understand it. This would usually work for me to be able to comprehend what i was reading. In the past and still i have trouble putting quotes into my papers. I also have trouble with putting some of the material i want to use from the article in my own words. During this week what i thought made using and finding research easier was read one paragraph at a time and put little margin notes to remember what it was about, or what i was thinking when i read that paragraph. The only thing difficult about this method is that sometimes i cant get or understand the point that the author is trying to say which makes it hard to write something about that paragraph.
ReplyDeleteI have never used a specific for of reading methods in the past besides like highlighting, underlining and taking notes of things I thought were important. They can be effective but sometimes I pay attention to things that are not as important as I think they are.
ReplyDeleteI have had trouble in the past with research because I sometimes have trouble taking what I have read and pulling it out to putting it into my papers.
I first really used annotation method last semester in the Study Skills Center at OCC and it definitely helps you just have to know when to make notes and underline things. It can defiantly be a challenge to pick out things that you think might be important but really you could leave out.
In the past I really only used one type of reading method and it was re-reading and highlighting. It was effective enough I'd say. It helped show were specific details are and know what information is more important then other.
ReplyDeleteIn the past the only really challenging thing about research papers I had was details and connecting. I've always had trouble with not using enough details to explain my thesis. And I've had trouble connecting everything together. I tend to rewrite thing in my own words without even noticing it.
Annotation helped by giving little explanations about every paragraph I read. It gives summaries of what you have read, questions that you think might need to be answered and help clarify what was being said. The only problem I had was knowing where to annotate.
1. I really just look for the main ideas. I have a hard time reading certain material. I get bored so I focus on the main idea.
ReplyDelete2. I have a really hard time using the information i have found in my own words. I also have trouble citing sources and deciding when to use the actual cite.
I haven’t really used any specific reading methods in the past. I would highlight and take notes when there was something important. I think it is effective because you can look back and remember easier.
ReplyDeleteI found sourcing challenging because it is hard to explain people’s thoughts sometimes. I also found detailing to be challenging, sometimes I cant control my paper to go along with my thesis as well.
Using annotation in class made it easier to comprehend when I went back and looked at my notes. The only thing that was difficult was pulling out the important things even though you aren’t sure if they are quite important yet. That may lead to over-highlighting.
emily k. buss
ReplyDelete1) When I am reading I don't really have a method. I just kind of scan for what I need, maybe sometimes highlight or write it down. I guess they have been effective, I never really failed a paper or anything doing that.
2) What I find difficult is, when I read something I write it down word for word and then I have to go "well how can I rephrase that so it's not copying?" Then I have it in my mind like there really is no other way to say that and then I get stuck until I figure something out.
3)The annotation method wasn't anything I didn't already know. It's close enough to what I usually do anyway.
In the past I have highlighted what I thought was crucial to a paper and just getting the basic purpose of the article, book, or essay. The highlighting technique was not so helpful because when I was finally done, the whole paper would be marked up.
ReplyDeleteIn the past I have had issues with research being reliable and also finding the right place for all the information to go. My high school economics teacher approved of using Wikipedia! When all throughout my schooling I have been told not to.
Annotation was one of the strategies I used before. So it wasn’t too unfamiliar to me. It does help a lot more when there is lots of information and you need to condense it. The only difficult thing about this method is knowing what argument is supported by what evidence in large readings.
I really have never used any method to comprehend and use complex texts. This is because I usually only look at the main points. For the most part I would just highlight things I thought were important but I have a tendency to over highlight. This is because certain material I just don’t find interesting and also because I have a hard time to begin with comprehending what I read. I have been somewhat effective with highlighting what I thought might be important because I then could just go back and study/look at what I highlighted instead of rereading it all. In the past I have found using sources challenging because I feel like I am just copying what they have said. Using annotation in class helped me a little when reading complex material and trying to comprehend it. The hardest part was pulling out the important information. It also difficult if I don’t understand what the author is trying to say.
ReplyDelete1) Yes i have used reading methods such as previewing the article like reading the heading and stopping when i come to the second heading. Asking my self what's the general point the author trying to make and go back through and high light the headings. Yes this method has worked for me many times in reading class and other classes as well.
ReplyDelete2)yes in the past i did had challenges in the past such as trying to find the right web with truful information to write about.
3)yes a little bit but reading the information and trying to pull out the right information for the paper and what arguements to use also.
I have used the same reading methods for as long as I can remember, when reading for information from complex texts. First, I always begin orienting my reading, and ask myself questions such as; how well do I need to know the material I am reading, and is some of the material more important to me than the other material? Then, I do a first reading to get the main idea. After my first reading, I do an additional reading or two so I can understand all the material, especially the difficult material I might skim through in my first reading. I have always found this an effective way of reading for information because I read the article more than once and I make sure I know what I am looking for by asking questions.
ReplyDeleteIn my past, I have found some problems with making sure all my research is accurate, and with organizing my research effectively. I often times find myself getting lazy and only use the internet for sources on my research projects. Then I come to find out they are not legit sources and I get a terrible grade because I took information from some random person posting what they wanted on the internet. Also, I also find myself with so much information, but I do not know where to put the information into a paper that the reader will understand.
Using annotation in class made reading complex material easier for me because it makes you able to look back at your reading, and understand where everything is. You can mark where arguments and evidence are and then write comments about them, so you do not look back and have to read the whole thing over to get the point of what you have read. If anything at all was difficult about this method, it would have to be making sure you do not take too many notes that it takes away from the main idea.
I dont have a method when im reading really I just look for the main idea. Yes in the past i have had some challenges just on tring to figure out whats real infomation or not.
ReplyDeleteThe reading method that I use most to comprehend complex texts is reading several times through. I do this often with math problems too, it helps to absorb and understand subtle contexts, perceptions, and the ideas that are laid out in front of you. I would say that my methods of comprehension work well, judging by the fact that I can do several things. For one, I am a proud owner of a healthy vocabulary. Two, I know what most of the words mean, and if I don't I look it up and store it for future reference. Three, well, three is kind of a special situation, throughout 3rd grade and on, I always had my nose in a book, and that I think is the greatest common factor to being capable of the great Americanized English language.
ReplyDeleteThe most difficult things I have coped with about incorporating research into my writing is citation of relevant facts, and providing an argument to support it, and or argument to debate it's pro's and con's to provide the necessary perspective that I'm trying to provide to my audience.
"What did you difficult about using this method?"
What did I difficult about using this method?
What?
Annotation helped me develop a common idea pertaining to the reading, and helped solidify the message. I find that it's a nice reference in trying to organize ideas, and thoughts, but sometimes the writing it's self helps inspire me to respond in a manner that is both my own style, and reminiscent of the writers message.
I normally well take notes as I read the text so I can always look back and read the facts.
ReplyDeleteIt can be hard to organize it into my paper.
It does make it easier to understand what I am reading
I forgot about this completely because of break.
ReplyDelete-I normally read on page at a time and take notes on a summary of what was on that page.
-Not really, when you group or pick out what notes together in which body paragraph it would be in.
-Annotation made it easier when it came to understanding and to how how my paper is going to be put together.
1.) The reading methods that I have used in the past have been the web. I read a very limited amount of books, articles, and essays. The web has everything that you need. If you need a book most likely it has been downloaded for the use of a computer, and the same goes for any magazines or articles. Using the web is kind of one stop shop type of method. So, I would say it works very well and it is really going to be the only reading method that will give me the best information for my next paper.
ReplyDelete2.) In the past when I would use research for my papers it helped juristically. My papers are longer, easier to write, and I learn a lot more about what I am writing about. If I get to choose my topic in which we do have that choice for this paper it makes writing the paper fun.
3.) Using the annotation method for a research paper is a perfect match. What helps most is marking areas where you can apply your own opinion and pull out evidence supporting your opinion. It also helps with expanding your vocabulary by looking up unknown words. There is nothing difficult when using this method, because it covers just about everything you need to know when wanting to pull out information needed for any type of paper.
If I find something difficult to digest, I usually break down what I’m reading into smaller bits and work from there. I make lists of points or side-notes on paper and then fit them together as the whole picture becomes clear.
ReplyDeleteI actually enjoy researching all of the information for a paper. It is narrowing it all down and keeping only what is relevant to my paper that I find the most challenging. With so much information out there, sometimes it’s hard to narrow it down and keep it from becoming jumbled, boring, and rambling.
The annotation methods we discussed in class helped you to see your points or questions a little more clearly, so as not to have as many stray points to fit into your paper. It helps you to stick with only what is necessary for your particular thesis and not to veer off track.
Kevin Corbin
ReplyDeleteIn the past I haven't used a specific reading method. The only thing i would do is read then maybe read again if i didn't understand it. My own method is really good but i have got through stuff. When i read papers or articles or text i just read, i never try to think what the author is trying to get a crossed. The problems I have had in the past with research is becoming over whelmed with all the information. annotation mad things easier, and i don't have any problems with it.
1. After reading a complex text, I used to first write down words I did not understand the meaning of and then would research the main statement or theme online or at the library to have a better understanding of the content or gather more arguments for or against the author’s writing.
ReplyDelete2. Valid resources could sometimes be a little tricky. Unless it is a science, medical or governmental resources which are often undeniable, other resources could often be debated and illogical to certain while being logical to others.
3. Making those annotation was great and made my research a lot easier. I was able to set aside important arguments, elements and information to use in my writing or base my research on . I don’t think anything was really difficult, I actually think it makes the whole project a lot easier.
id first like to say I'm not much of a reader. In the past when I did read for an assignment I would read a great majority of the text and then go back and re read areas I found either interesting or crucial. their really wasn't much of a method behind it but it worked for me.
ReplyDeleteAs far as including research info in a paper goes. In the past most of my papers had no more than one or two sources. I understand how to show citation in the text but I still cant seem to get the cite page right. the concepts are understood but a little adjustment is needed. I feel like your ideas in class are helping me. I like how you thoroughly explain your methods and dont push us to use them as long as we show that our way works. I do plan on switching to an annotation method.
Using annotation has taken the dreaded memorization out of reading. Instead of even attempting to remember I will simply mark that spot as important to my research question and go back to see if all of my annotations really work. It keeps me from having to try to remember where a certain spot was or trying to just word it as closely as possible to what I read because I couldn't find it.
1. When I do read and have to read for understanding I usually highlight or underline what i feel is important and go back study what I have high lighted. This is very effective for me because it helps shows me what is important and what is not.
ReplyDelete2. The hardest thing to me about research and a paper is properly citing the information that I found. The actual research itself is a piece of cake.
3. Annotation makes it so that you only have to relate back to teh key ideas. So instead of boring yourself by reading alllll of the same information over and over again you will hav a little less to read and the good part is that you will only have to read what is important.
1. By comprehending reading, for myself i break down the story to try to put it into something i can relate to or understand. i believe it is effective because especially in the tall tell tale, it was hard to understand what the narrator was trying to get across because of the time the story was written. By breaking the story down, i understood how the narrator was telling the story.
ReplyDelete2. One thing in a past experience i found challenging is finding the facts about the subject im working with. A lot of websites now will give out false information that isnt true. Having those you need to find out what websites will tell you the real facts of the topic your researching.
3. By using the annotation method reading complex material is easier because i will find out the meaning of the unknown words, i can ask questions in the margins or any comments i felt were nessecary. The annotation method i didnt really find anything difficult with it.
1.growing up I read aloud to better help myself comprehend, and nine times out of ten it worked because I could hear what it was that I was thinking
ReplyDelete2.I have found that its much easier to plagiarize than most think, because most often do when they are not even aware that there doing it.
3.I didn’t have any problems, I actually found it quite easier this was
I used books and the internet and som newspapers. I have found that it is hard to word what you want to say with out copying down exactly that the author wrote down. So you got to find a way to word it. The annotation made things easier to read.
ReplyDelete1.Coming out off high school, i have always use skimming through chapters and hilighting key worlds as a reading method.
ReplyDelete2. In the past, i have found that getting informations from internets is not eay. Because sometime as you do your research you found information unreliable.
3.After the annotation method, i found reading really easy because it time managemant
1) When I was first introduced to text books that were a little more complex in High School, the teachers I had all preached that annotation was the best way to comprehend the material. I used annotation all throughout High School and it proved to work better than just re-reading the text over and over again.
ReplyDelete2) In the past I found it difficult to incorporate research into my writing when the topic that I was required to write about interested me very little. This lack of interest would make finding a good research question difficult, and make it very difficult to find answers to the research question.
3) Annotating in class was helpful, because it allowed me to find the point of the article much quicker. Once the main point of the article was clear, it was not hard to pick apart the important details that would help someone with this article use it as a potential answer to there research question.