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Some learners may find reading higher-level academic texts challenging. Give your learners tips and guidance to help them read and understand complex texts.
Help your learners by telling them what they need to explain or do when they have read a particular text.
For example, you may want them to read a text so they can:
- find specific information about a subject
- summarise the main points of a text
- deepen their understanding of a complex area
How to design activities that break down complex texts
Consider creating a core reading list that introduces the basic principles of your subject area. Suggest that your learners read these texts first.
For more complex texts, you could suggest that learners gain an overview of the material by reading the introduction, sub-headings and conclusion first.
To help your learners, you could:
- list the main points of a text you want them to read in full
- set questions about the text
- provide a glossary of key terms or get learners to write one
- link the reading to a preparatory or follow-up quiz, short writing task, forum discussion or online chat Q&A session
Use open access texts
Try and use open access texts where possible. Learners enrolled on non-credit bearing CPD or short courses have restricted access to UCL library resources.