Speed Reading

The modern knowledge worker has to read more and more in our information society. Without proper training, our average/habitual reading speed of 250 words per minute would require more than 6 hours per day to remain up to date. New insights in how the brain processes information, allow us to change our reading habits on a daily basis. The key in Speedreading is to adapt the reading speed to the nature of the text and the goal of the reader. While scientific details justify slower speeds, contextual reading can be accelerated significantly.

Cluster

Research & Valorization

Target Group

Members of the Doctoral School

Aim

Brain-friendly speed-reading method, allowing the reader to improve reading speed, comprehension and recall by at least factor 3 by the end of the workshop. Further improvement is possible if the participant consciously and continuously applies the new skills in future reading. The new skills (3 for the Eyes and 3 for the Brain) have an impact on all stages of reading: input (speed) – short term memory (comprehension) and long term memory (recall).

Methodology

The Speed Reading method is based on experiential techniques, derived from insights in how the brain processes information. The method is originally based on the work of Tony Buzan (Radiant Thinking™, Mind Mapping™ and Speed Reading), and on the practical experience of the trainer.

Trainer

Ir Bernard Lernout

Programme

The workshop consists of two half day modules, separated by at least one week of own practice. Each module consists of 4 sessions of 45 to 50 minutes, separated by relaxation breaks. The new skills are immediately validated using reading samples – with measurement of speed and comprehension. Reading samples from various scientific disciplines (in English) for the first module are included in the syllabus. Participants bring their own reading materials (English or native language) to the second module: memo's; a newspaper, magazine or journal, and a non-fiction book of about 400 pages.

Day 1: module 1 The basic skills

One week of personal practice on own material

Day 2: module 2 The advanced skills

Session 1: Assessment

the eye and reading
the brain and reading
reading habits and assumptions

Session 5: Turbo eye and brain skills

questions and answers on personal practice
turbo practices
the importance of post-reading

Session 2: Three EYE skills

explain
test
put into practice

Session 6: Deep Reading

scientific texts
hints
sample and measure

Session 3: Practicing the eye skills

sample reading material
hints for screen/tablet reading
how to measure progress

Session 7: Information processing and the brain

sensory input
comprehension and focus
long term memory

Session 4: Three BRAIN skills

explain
test
put into practice
track record for further practice

Session 8: Power Reading of large volumes

SQ3R method
implement on own non-fiction book
tools for further practice

Time schedule & Venue

Course code	Dates	Time	Venue
SPR-2425-03	13 and 27 November 2024 (AM)	09:00-12:00	13/11: Leslokaal 1.1 (Campus Ledeganck) 27/11: Leslokaal 1.4 (Campus Ledeganck)
SPR-2425-04	13 and 27 November 2024 (PM)	13:00-16:00	13/11: Leslokaal 1.1 (Campus Ledeganck) 27/11: Leslokaal 1.4 (Campus Ledeganck)
SPR-2425-05	18 March + 01 April 2025 (AM)	09:00-12:00	18/03: Leslokaal 0.5 (Campus Ledeganck) 01/04: Leslokaal 0.1 (Campus Ledeganck)
SPR-2425-06	18 March + 01 April 2025 (PM)	13:00-16:00	18/03: Leslokaal 0.5 (Campus Ledeganck) 01/04: Leslokaal 0.1 (Campus Ledeganck)
SPR-2425-07	13 May + 27 May 2025 (AM)	09:00-12:00	Leslokaal 0.1 (Campus Ledeganck)
SPR-2425-08	13 May + 27 May 2025 (PM)	13:00-16:00	Leslokaal 0.1 (Campus Ledeganck)

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members. The no show policy applies.

Registration

First semester: Follow this link to subscribe to the registration or waiting list. Your registration will be confirmed via separate e-mail.
Second semester: Follow this link to subscribe to the registration or waiting list.

Cancellation can only be done by sending an e-mail to doctoral.schools@ugent.be.

Number of participants

Language

English

Evaluation methods and criteria (doctoral training programme)

100 % participation

After successful participation, the Doctoral School will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this takes up to one to two months after completion of the course.