Does Speed Reading Harm the Learning Process? (7 Myths Debunked)

Speed reading doesn’t harm the learning process; on the contrary, it can help you increase your current reading speed. But to keep good comprehension levels high enough to understand what you are reading, you must constantly practice speed reading techniques.

Does speed reading harm the studying process? 

This is undoubtedly a guilt-inducing question you might have been asking yourself while you considered taking a course in it or buying an app to assist you in reading faster. It’s pretty evident why the method would pique your interest.

But is speed reading good for studying? What might be the potential drawback?

There is a limit to how quickly you can read and how much information you can retain. However, speed reading is still a beneficial reading strategy for academic purposes.

In this article, we’ll examine how speed reading works, dispel some common myths about it, learn about some drawbacks you should be aware of, and much more.

How speed reading works

Speed reading keeps your attention on the text by preventing subvocalization (internal talking while reading). Speed readers process information more quickly than they read it. 

You can quickly process written content using speed reading techniques and training, typically text or graphical information.

Your eyes and brain have a physical limit on how quickly you can read. They scan a text, taking in small bits of information—usually 2 or 3 characters each fixation—as they go.

However, a fast reader typically processes information at a faster rate of 6–7 characters. Slow readers can greatly increase their reading speed by employing speed reading strategies.

Speed reading is more of an acquired habit than a talent or gift. A high level of expertise in rapid reading requires training and practice.

Speed reading only works when readers employ particular strategies, such as the following:

Skimming

Skimming entails reading a full page without focusing on specifics, complete phrases, or punctuation. Rather than looking for key elements, skimmers frequently look for repetitions.

Skimming is a fantastic technique to understand the main ideas of written text without reading every word on a page. It is a great speed reading and comprehension technique.

Using a pointer

Your eyes continuously scan the page from left to right while you read quickly. You point your finger in the direction of where you want to go next on the page, which is why this speed reading technique is called the “pointer.”

By pointing your index finger at each word, you end up reading more quickly.

Chunking

Chunking requires you to separate the content into manageable portions before reading it. Consider reading every third word to expedite the process. Doing this allows you to understand the text’s main points without reading every word.

You can pause or take some quick breaks before moving on to the next section of the text. The rest periods increase comprehension and lessen mental exhaustion.

Using a reading software

One of the simplest ways to start speed reading is to use rapid reading software like AccelaReader. Anyone can utilize it for free to improve their reading speed.

This tool uses a technique called Rapid Serial Visualization Presentation (RSVP).

It requires placing each word in the same spot and sequencing them in a paragraph. By using this technique, you can prevent the jerky eye movements that result from trying to read a text passage word by word.

You can keep your eyes from wandering away from what must be read. The RSVP method can help you read 400 words per minute in a short amount of time.

Eye movement control

Eye movement control is a speed reading technique that involves directing the eye to focus on specific parts of the text being read rather than allowing the eye to wander aimlessly across the page

Speed-Reading Myths

You might have heard conflicting information regarding speed reading. Let’s separate fact from fiction below.

Myth #1: Speed reading drastically decreases comprehension

Speed reading does not drastically decrease comprehension. It is a valuable strategy if you only need a broad understanding of the content. But it can make things more challenging if you must be ready to respond to particular inquiries regarding a piece. 

Large chunks of the text will need to be reread, which may cause you to slow down your reading pace automatically.

While fast reading is undoubtedly more time-effective than regular reading, comprehension may suffer. 

Speed reading might make it challenging for you to comprehend and retain the knowledge of the finer parts of the text if it is very dense or complex.

Myth #2: It’s about practicality, not enjoyment

Many people use speed reading to read as much written text as possible in the shortest time rather than enjoy what they are reading.

But if you read for pleasure and appreciate a good book, speed reading is not for you. If you also want to learn about the craft of writing, it may not be for you. 

Fortunately, you can read balance the benefits of speed reading with the enjoyment of reading at a more leisurely pace for pleasure.

When necessary, you can read quickly, but you can also unwind with a good book without being concerned about how long it will take you to finish it.

Myth #3: It’s Exhausting

It requires a lot of mental effort to read quickly. You must first practice rapid reading, which can be time-consuming—like learning any new ability, mastering the techniques well enough to apply them frequently requires practice and repetition.

However, speed reading itself can be rather exhausting. If you want to retain anything from what you’re reading, you must pay close attention to what you’re doing. 

Your “speed reading endurance” can be increased with practice, but you’ll probably discover that speed reading isn’t something you can do for long periods of time.

Myth #4: It’s a waste of time

Speed reading is not a waste of time if your goal is to read through a large amount of text quickly. You quickly scan texts by using your peripheral vision. 

However, technical content that requires thorough understanding cannot be quickly read using speed reading techniques. 

You can only increase your vocabulary and language proficiency by reading more to improve your reading speed.

Myth #5: It’s bad for your studies

Fortunately not true. Reading faster while paying closer attention makes speed reading a helpful study technique. 

Additionally, reading multiple words simultaneously instead of one word after another improves understanding. By reading words in their intended context, you can gain a deeper understanding of the material you are reading. This helps you to better comprehend the content and make connections between ideas.

Myth #6: Speed reading is only suitable for certain types of material

This is true. Speed reading is not always the best approach for certain types of texts, such as academic or technical publications. These types of texts often require more careful and thorough reading to fully understand and retain the information.

Speed reading will only help if you are conversant with the terminologies. 

Texts with a lot of jargon will slow you down because it will take time and effort to figure out what each word means. 

Myth #7: Speed reading is a new and untested method

The practice of speed reading is not new. Evelyn Wood, a teacher, is said to have first used the term “speed reading” in the late 1950s. She tried to force herself to read faster since she was curious about why certain individuals were faster readers. 

In 1958, she discovered that the sweeping motion of her hand across the page captured her eyes’ attention and made them travel more fluidly across the page. She used them as a pacemaker. 

Before introducing it to the general public in 1959 in Washington, DC, as Evelyn Wood’s Reading Dynamics, Wood first taught the technique at the University of Utah.

Speed reading techniques have also received high commendation since the 1950s, notably from the president John F. Kennedy administration. 

Can speed reading boost your education?

Speed reading and related techniques can be useful tools for enhancing your learning process and education. By setting aside dedicated time for speed reading, you can improve your reading speed and efficiency.

 It’s important to note that speed reading is not the only study method, but it can certainly be beneficial. By reading more quickly, you can absorb more information and become a more effective learner.

You might sacrifice accuracy and understanding. However, your book, mental state, and past knowledge all play a role. 

Some people consider 400 words per minute to be too quick. Others believe this occurs at a word-per-minute rate of 800, 1000, or even 1200.

One can read at a speed of 1200 words per minute. A lot of practice is required. However, many people need more time or effort to accomplish this. Do you have to read quickly? This should be the most pressing question at this point.

As previously mentioned, excessive speed reading might not be a great idea. 

When you skim, you might miss important details and have to go back and start the paragraph over again. It’s important to find the right balance between speed reading and more in-depth reading

When you focus on reading more closely and deeply, you can gain a greater understanding and retention of the information you are reading. This type of reading allows you to not only read quickly, but also truly understand and comprehend the content.

Research on the effectiveness of speed reading

According to studies, the ability to read more quickly may be developed through practice, and skimming can be a helpful tactic when gathering information quickly. 

However, other researchers have also suggested that the method may not be very effective depending on your speed-reading objectives. 

Reading at a particular speed (probably around 600 words per minute) causes comprehension to deteriorate and working memory to become overburdened.

The final line regarding speed reading’s efficacy is that it can be helpful if:

• You only need a general understanding of what a text says 
• You are required to read a text but have little time to spare for in-depth analysis. 

Normal-paced reading is the best option if you need to fully comprehend what a text is saying, such as while learning a difficult idea or studying for an exam.

Like anything else, rapid reading is most helpful when used correctly. Speed reading is a valuable strategy if you want to swiftly grasp the main idea of what you’re reading.

Benefits of speed reading as a tool for learning

The following are some benefits of speed reading as a tool for learning:

Quicker learning curve

Speed reading is a fantastic method to pick up new knowledge rapidly and retain more in less time. It allows you to read through considerable amounts of content more quickly than you would otherwise be able to.

If you’re just starting out, try concentrating on the key ideas in the content you’re reading. Then, as you become more adept at speed reading techniques, try to read at a rate of 250 words per minute (the average reading speed).

You can read more quickly and comprehend content at a rapid rate with the aid of the Iris speed reading course.

Improve your concentration and memory

One of the things that people frequently take for granted is their ability to concentrate. Unfortunately, we utilize it so regularly in our daily activities.

Although we might not give it much thought, our attention spans erode at alarming rates. Reading more quickly allows you to focus on the topic you’re studying without becoming distracted.

Your ability to retain information is enhanced by improving your concentration, which will help you read faster than those who don’t exercise it.

If you want to sharpen your memory to improve in class or at work, the Irisreading Maximizing Memory course teaches helpful strategies to aid your memory and memorization of important information.

Gain clarity and get smarter

Speed reading improves the brain’s neuroplasticity, which is continuously solving puzzles and making mental notes.

The more you practice speed reading, the faster you can take notes, which can help you integrate the various bits of information you have learned over time and form associations between them. As a result, you become smarter.

Suppose you can read more quickly than the average speed reader. In that case, you’ll be able to swiftly learn a lot of crucial information, obtain better clarity on a subject, and come to superior conclusions.

Build confidence

Speed reading is a fantastic method to enhance your reading abilities, increase the breadth of your knowledge, become more resourceful, and gain confidence.

Rapid reading speed improves your productivity and memory while helping you learn more.

Increase your vocabulary

You will learn new words as you read more. Your brain is trained to select the appropriate words (and context) that you need to express yourself clearly through speed reading. 

As you go along, you’ll be able to expand your vocabulary and develop your writing and thinking skills.

Reduce stress levels

Many people are compelled to multitask, which is unsuccessful sometimes because there is so much to get done in so little time. When you can read a text or document fast, you can complete activities more quickly, lowering your stress levels.

You can temporarily put your problems out of your mind by doing something enjoyable, like reading.

Conclusion

While speed reading might be challenging for persons with low reading skills and limited vocabulary, it can be beneficial for those who must read a lot of text while studying.

Start with content that you can understand to speed up your reading. Search for keywords as you quickly skim the headings and subheadings. 

Although you might not delve further into the text, you will be able to grasp the main ideas.

You can get started by taking the free speed reading mini-course from Iris.