Something cool I’ve been experimenting with lately: changing how I read to improve how well knowledge “sticks” with me. Even when it comes to short articles, I’m sure that many can relate to that zoning out feeling while reading, where upon finishing we have one of those “so what did I just read…?” moments. But what if there was a way to keep yourself engaged, while also enriching how deeply you understand the topic?
What I’ve been trying out is strategically stopping myself in the middle of reading to ask myself questions so I’m forced to think critically. I found that not only did this improve how well I retained the concepts, but also simply made reading more FUN. Here’s an example of how I did this for an article in last month’s issue of Multilingual magazine, about the life sciences industry and remote interpretation.
First, the article mentions that the telehealth market is estimated to grow in the coming years and the reasons for this: “the main drivers, aside from the pandemic, are…” — but I stop there. Can I guess myself what those “drivers” are before reading on? Here’s what I thought:
- Developments in monitoring technology allowing similar levels of care remotely?
- Remote services simply becoming more accessible over going in person to a monolingual clinic that might not speak the patient’s language?
After thinking through this, I read on to see the “answer”:
- Increased focus on reducing the cost of care
- Industry consolidation
- Improvement in devices and technology facilitating remote monitoring and assessments
Okay, so the real drivers were more business-focused, but I was on the right track with “developments in monitoring technology”.
I moved on: now the article’s describing how remote interpreting platforms are usually an Interpretation Management System (IMS) integrated with an Interpretation Delivery Platform (IDP). I actually know close to nothing about remote interpreting, but I went through the same question-asking process to get myself thinking. What are IMSs and IDPs? Why are both needed? How would an IMS differ from a TMS (Translation Management System), which I do know more about? I came up with ideas then read on to see if I was on the right track and kept repeating until the end.
Just changing this small thing about the way I read felt almost like creating new learning out of thin air! Obviously, you wouldn’t do this if you’re reading a fiction novel for pleasure, but when you’re reading to learn more about something, I feel there’s huge benefits in honing in on curiosity to do this kind of active reading occasionally. Lots of professionals say that a common trait in successful people is a unique sense of curiosity, and it makes sense – because curious people ask lots of questions and think critically about ideas, they’re more likely to understand stuff like the need for different technologies or why a trend came to be, then apply this to business to find success.
