The art form has been existent for decades, practiced by both intellectuals and the lazy alike. Today, however, skimming could be argued as not only the exception, but the rule.
In the past, skimming has been reserved for the unmotivated or idle student, yet it has started to shake that stereotype. While skimming still stands as a lazy or forgetful student’s best friend, it has recently been adopted by a new type of student.
Sometimes the education systems places so much work and stress on a student, they have no choice but to resort to skimming as a response in order to guarantee some time for relaxation, extracurriculars such as sports or theatre, hanging out with friends or performing volunteer work for school credit. Skimming is a sometimes necessary precaution taken by young learners to secure down time within their busy schedule, a necessary measure for peak performance.
If time is limited and there is still work to be done, skimming is the solution. Simply open to the page(s) or chapter(s) that were supposed to be read and scan each page for key points and significant details. If there is a worksheet to complete, skimming becomes even easier. Just skim through the pages for the answers.
Yet, skimming functions as more than just a resource for forgotten or unwanted work. Say a student procrastinated studying for a test. Skimming can aid the students in their studying, refreshing the mind of the pupil as he/she examines notes on the topic quickly to grasp enough understanding of the material to earn a passing grade.
Although skimming has the potential to aid both the lethargic and dedicated student alike, it must be used at the proper time. Skimming without concentration adds little to the student’s knowledge of the subject, as they are frequently unable to recall facts. Make sure that, when skimming, to do so at a pace where information can be recalled and notes remain legible.
The art of skimming is a perfect example of a simple solution to a complex or complicated problem. Skimming is such a simple skill, anyone who knows how to read can do it. Upon times of mass chaos in which time is more valuably spent in other areas, don’t sweat it, skim it.
Yet, skimming does not come without possible negative side effects or dangerous results from overdoses. Dangerous attachment to the tool can result in a drastic drop in GPA, lack of completed work and severe lack of studying. Like any other good thing life, there is a hidden evil in the tool if one does not watch for it.
However, if used leniently and specifically, skimming is a harmless learning tool that can that be the difference between a summer by the pool or a summer in school. Skimming is sometimes the study method that can allow a student to get a good enough score on their exams to avoid failing a course or maybe even multiple courses and forcing them to have to make up the work in summer school. It may not be the most efficient form of studying, it can be used to save yourself from another 3-4 weeks of school during the summer.
A person’s mental health can be saved by skimming, since it helps speed up homework and make time to rest and let the mind reboot from the past day and prepare itself for the next day to come. Say a student has been working hard on math, history, etc…, all day and now all they have left to do is read. But they feel like if they have to do one more lengthy assignment that day, they’ll snap. Skimming makes the work short and sweet and can keep a person from going crazy due to being overworked.
Utilize skimming in your work belt of studying strategies. Just remember that skimming is no toy. It is a tool that must be used properly and sparingly. Skim safely, Parkway Central.