Excel at Reading

Course Information

Nature of the Course

This course trains students to use a variety of survey, reading, and self-pace techniques. The goal of the course is to extend reading-rate ranges to increase comprehension and retention. Because it is an intricate skill that must be applied differently to different kinds of material, efficient reading demands flexibility. Students will learn to read quickly while critically evaluating the material and maintaining a clear grasp of the ideas in the text.

This program is appropriate for any student desiring to improve reading performance. Many first-year students prepare for success in college by fortifying some of the most critical skills needed for top academic achievement - reading efficiency and comprehension. Upperclassmen headed for graduate studies have found this course dramatically improved their reading performance as well.

Data and Comments

What is the Data from 2017-18? 

In class, over a five week period:

• 85% of students doubled or more than doubled their reading rate score.
• Reading comprehension increased to an average of 87%. 

Of those who took the two month course online:

• 43% increased their vocabulary scores at least ten percent.
• Reading recall increased to an average score of 79%.
• The average final reading rate was 526 words per minute.

Student Comments

• “It is so helpful. Being a person who doesn't love reading and wasn't a fast reader, I am so glad I took this class!”
• “All I can say is it took me from 155 words per minute rate to 600-700 words per minute rate.”
• “(This was) a wise use of my time. (I) would recommend it to all students. Even as valedictorian of my class, a pharmacy major, and an avid reader, I was surprised to see my score increase so much!”
• “I have learned that I don't have to sacrifice recall for speed!”
• "It was extremely helpful! Best choice to help reading. I feel like I can finally do well and get through all of the huge amount of reading from classes."
• "Even if you think you are a decent reader, this class will open your eyes to different, helpful techniques to improve your reading immensely."
• "It has dramatically changed how I approached reading and studying. It took very little effort on my part to increase my reading rate and comprehension. And it saved me hours while writing."
• "The class is very helpful because the concepts are very relevant and applicable right away!"
• "It's 50 minutes eleven times which will save you many hours each year of college in reading time."
• "This class helped to make a large amount of reading for a class less intimidating."
• "This class changed my perspective on reading and increased my reading comprehension so I stress less about taking tests."
• "Definitely take it. I increased my WPM (words per minute) by 400."
• "I would highly recommend this class to help you prepare for grad school reading."
• "I really enjoyed this class and appreciate the skills I have been able to learn/develop." (online student)
• "Great course! It has improved my reading speed overall." (online student)
• "It is definitely worth the time, money and effort! (This is my second time taking it!!)"

Registration

Students may register online for the section of their choice. Enrollment will remain open until the Wednesday before the reading classes begin. Any payments after this deadline will incur a late fee. If a student's schedule changes, the student is responsible to contact The Cove to drop the in class course.

No refunds will be issued after the registration deadline. If a student wishes to withdraw, they must do so no later than one week before the reading classes begin, in which the course fee (minus a processing fee) will be refunded.

A confirmation of the class meeting time and room location will be emailed to the student the week before the reading class begins.

The Cove reserves the right to cancel a section or course due to insufficient enrollment.