Re:Ask HN: Do you guys use speed reading techniques?
by yummyfajitas on Monday January 05, 2009 @10:16AM
(#420529)
Understanding isn't the issue for me. I have a solid math background, so I'm understanding things about as fast as I can read them. My main issue is the terminology, there is just lots of it.
A more traditional programming example is this; if you learn Java you need to understand, but learning the libraries is more a matter of remembering than understanding.
Some subjects are broad, not simply deep. Speed reading (or whatever) could help with the breadth.
Read a number of articles on the subject. Write out the definition in your own words or explain it to a friend. Complete a few textbook exercises to calculate the values you want to understand.
Taking the time to internalize a subject is significantly more helpful than quickly scanning words you do not yet understand.