Reading vertically how to learn. Fast reading technique with a high level of memorization. Methods for quickly memorizing text. How to learn to read with vertical eye movements

When mentioning the fast reading technique, most people have the following questions: what is the reason for the increase in reading speed?

But they are all based on a few basic rules. So:

Some readers, unbeknownst to themselves, read twice any text - both easy and difficult, as if for the sake of fidelity. The areas of such re-fixation of the eyes that occur in traditional reading are sometimes very large.

As our research has shown, regressions are quite common with slow reading, and their number is usually from 10 to 15 for a text of 100 words. It is clear that such frequent recurrent eye movements drastically reduce the reading speed.

The main goal of recipients is a deeper comprehension of a text that has already been read. The fast reading technique recommends re-reading only after reading the entire text.

When reading text with regressions, the eyes move backward, for example, from point 2 to point 3, although there is no need for this. If this happens on every line of text, then it is obvious that the reader reads the entire text twice.

It is this kind of regression that is considered one of the main disadvantages of traditional slow reading. Along with regressions during slow reading, recurrent eye movements were also noticed, caused by the apparent difficulties of the text.

These returns are also a lack of reading. Very often, further reading will remove the questions raised and make refunds unnecessary. What is the nature of regression?

The first reason is force of habit... Record the reasons for re-reading: really difficult text or lack of attention?

Remember, avoiding regressions doubles your reading speed and triples your reading comprehension.

2. READ WITHOUT ARTICULATION

Articulation- these are involuntary movements of the lips, tongue, elements of the larynx when reading the text to oneself. The movements of the speech organs when reading to themselves are inhibited only externally, in fact, they are in constant latent movement.

The intensity of these micro-movements depends, first of all, on the level of development of the reading skill and the complexity of the text. The less developed the skill of reading to oneself (in children) and the more complex the text, the more pronounced the articulation.

Many people say they have no articulation or they don't know what it is. Others, on the other hand, claim that they constantly hear someone mumbling nearby when they read the text.

Even if the reader declares that he does not have articulation, it is possible to detect it by special measurements. X-ray photography of pharyngeal modulations during reading showed the presence of intracavitary articulation even in people who read relatively quickly.

Indeed, the exclusion of internal pronunciation of words is the most important source of speed reading increase.

Moreover, even if it seems to you that you do not pronounce the words, then this is not so, the method of teaching reading, hammered into our heads from elementary school - that is, reading aloud - makes itself felt and, as you know, retraining is much harder than learning ...

The defect in the pronunciation of readable words can be divided into the following components:

1. When speaking is accompanied by mechanical movements: moving the lips, moving the tongue, or, even worse, audio - mechanical effects - mumbling, etc. It is quite simple to deal with this - to hold something in your teeth, or even better to hold your tongue teeth - no matter how funny, but by changing the pain sensation (the degree of compression with the teeth), you will be able to control the entire process of eradicating this inhibiting factor.

2. The most difficult to eradicate is the pronunciation of words in the brain - that is, the speech center. Here the method is used - they knock out a wedge with a wedge. The center that controls movement is somewhere near the speech center, and you can try to suppress the speech center with the motor center - it's super difficult to fight this - it won't save anything in your teeth, but you can try the following. You record on a cassette some kind of rhythm (but not music) - for example, a metronome. Moreover, the records should be several with different frequency of beats and combined with a variable frequency of beats. It is necessary to read to this beat (rhythm) and make movements while reading.

The main thing in the problem of fast reading is not so much speed as optimality, the efficiency of obtaining meaningful information due to the correct choice of the program for the semantic perception of the text.

Readers, as a rule, do not think about how to read this or that text. As a result, it reads equally slowly.

This or that speed and reading technique is subject, first of all, to those goals, tasks and attitudes that the reader sets for himself. It is the development of appropriate programs, the ability to flexibly use each of them at the right time, and determine the ability to read quickly.

Typically, traditional reading uses a small field of view. The field of vision is understood as a section of the text that is clearly perceived by the eyes with one fixation of the gaze.

In traditional reading, when 2-3 words are perceived at best, the field of view is very small. As a result, the eyes make many unnecessary jumps and fixations (stops).

This technique can be called gaze fragmentation. The wider the field of view, the more information is perceived at each stop of the eyes, the fewer these stops, and as a result, reading becomes more effective. One who reads quickly, in one fixation of the gaze, manages to perceive not 2-3 words, but the whole line, the whole sentence, sometimes the whole paragraph.

Reading text in whole phrases more effective not only in terms of speed: it also promotes deeper reading comprehension. This is because the perception of large fragments of the text at the moments of fixation with a gaze evokes visual-figurative representations that clearly clarify the meaning of the text.

Significantly reduces the speed of reading and the unproductive transition of the eyes from the end of each read line to the beginning of a new one. How many lines are on the page, so many unnecessary transitions, that is, idle eye movements, which are spent; not only time, but also strength.

With fast reading, eye movement is more economical: vertically, from top to bottom in the center of the page.

5. ALWAYS SELECT TO THE DOMINANT - THE BASIC MEANING OF THE TEXT

Problem understanding the text it has been fruitfully investigated by psychologists for a long time. What is understanding? Psychologists call understanding the establishment of a logical connection between objects by using existing knowledge.

When reading a simple text, understanding, as it were, merges with perception - we instantly recall the previously acquired knowledge (we realize the known meaning of words) or select from the existing knowledge what is needed at the moment and associate it with new impressions.

But very often, when reading an unfamiliar and difficult text, the comprehension of the subject (the application of knowledge and the establishment of new logical connections) is a complex process that unfolds in time.

To comprehend the text in such cases, it is necessary not only to be attentive when reading, to have knowledge and be able to apply it, but also to possess certain mental techniques. If it is necessary to memorize a text, a person first tries to understand it better and applies various techniques for this.

Most often, readers use two basic techniques: highlighting semantic reference points and anticipation.

Highlighting pivotal semantic points is as follows. The division of the text into parts, their semantic grouping lead to the allocation of semantic reference points that deepen understanding and facilitate the subsequent memorization of the material.

Psychologists have found that the basis of understanding can be everything with which we associate, that which is remembered or that itself "emerges" as connected with it. These can be some secondary words, additional details, definitions, etc.

Any association can be a support in this sense. The semantic reference point is something short, concise, but at the same time serving as the basis for some broader content. Understanding comes down to grasping in the text the main ideas, significant words, short phrases that predetermine the text of the following pages.

The technique of highlighting semantic reference points is, as it were, a process of filtering and compressing text without losing the basis.

Another technique used to further comprehend the text being read is called anticipation or anticipation, that is, a semantic guess. What is anticipation? This is a psychological process of focusing on the foreseeable future.

It is based on knowledge of the logic of the development of an event, assimilation of the results of the analysis of signs, previously carried out by operational thinking. Anticipation is provided by the so-called latent reaction of expectation, which tunes the reader to certain actions when, it would seem, there are no sufficient grounds for these reactions in the text.

The phenomenon of anticipation is possible only when thinking is actively working in a productive mode. With this reading, the reader relies more on the content of the text as a whole than on the meaning of individual words. The main thing is to comprehend the idea of ​​content, to identify the main idea of ​​the author of the text.

Thus, when teaching fast reading, the ability to anticipate is the main factor in the formation of a kind of flair for phrasal stereotypes and the accumulation of a sufficient vocabulary of text stamps. Identification of phrasal stereotypes is one of the first prerequisites for the development of automatic semantic processing of text.

6. CONSTANTLY DEVELOP YOUR ATTENTION AND MEMORY

What is attention? Attention- this is the selective focus of consciousness when performing a certain work. Reading quickly requires increased attention. Unfortunately, we are not always organized, we do not know how to control our attention when reading.

The reading speed of most readers is much slower than what they could have without compromising understanding. A slow reader's attention often switches to extraneous thoughts and objects, and interest in the text decreases. Therefore, large fragments are read mechanically and the meaning of what has been read does not reach consciousness.

Such a reader, noticing that he is thinking about extraneous things, is often forced to re-read the passage again. A person who reads quickly is able to control their attention.

Ability to concentrate on the problem - one of the components of successful mental work. Try to practice your ability to concentrate by mentally reading the words back to front.

When you mentally read a word backwards, you must spell it and then read those letters. For example - "word" - "ovols", "road" - "agorod". If your consciousness is distracted by a third-party object, then the thread is instantly lost and you have to perform the exercise again. This way you can train your attention.

This exercise can be done on public transport and thus use the wasted time to your advantage. Start with simple four-letter words. Gradually try to operate with longer words.

7. FULFILL DAILY OBLIGATORY RATE:

read two newspapers, one magazine (scientific and technical or popular science) and 50-100 pages of any book. Mastering the technique of fast reading is really a process of complex impact on various aspects of human mental activity.

Figuratively speaking, in the learning process, the program of technical re-equipment of the brain. There is a restructuring of consciousness, the prevailing stereotypes of thinking break down. There are some good books on teaching speed reading. For example, the book of O. A. Andreev and L. N. Khromov "Learning to read quickly."

But the most effective way to teach fast reading is through special trainings and group sessions.

The main thing is to remember that speed reading is not the lot of the elite. Diligence and consistency in training is important.

Exercise 6.1. Development of peripheral vision

6.1.1. Rules for working with Schulte tables.

1. For training use all 8 tables.

2. It is necessary to find numbers by silent counting, that is, silently, in ascending order from 1 to 25 (without a gap). Go through all 8 tables in turn in any order. The numbers found are indicated only with a glance; for this, both hands hold the table in a slightly tilted position. As a result of such training, the time for reading one table should be no more than 25 seconds.

3. Before starting work with the table, the gaze is fixed in its center in order to see the whole table (remember the exercise with the green dot and the recommendations above).

4. When searching for consecutive digits, it is allowed to fix the eyes only in the center of the table. Horizontal eye movements are prohibited. The distance from the table to the eyes is the same as when reading ordinary text, that is, approximately 25-30 cm.

5. Set the time and frequency of training yourself, remembering that you should not overwork.

6.1.2. Training with Schulte tables. You should work with a set of Schulte tables on a daily basis in accordance with the stated rules. Achieve reading of any table in no more than 25 seconds.

6.1.3. Exercise "Contemplation of the green point." As shown in the second conversation (p. 24), this exercise also effectively solves the problem of expanding the field of view. Unlike Schulte tables, it is static. It is in the combination of dynamic training with Schulte tables and static contemplation of the green dot that the secret of success in training the visual analyzer lies. If you have been doing this exercise carefully throughout the entire time, then today, observing the green dot, you can clearly see almost the entire page “at certain moments of clear consciousness”. We strongly recommend that you pay more attention to the "Contemplation of the green dot" exercise during the training period with the Schulte tables. Analyze your progress. Read again the section of the second conversation (p. 24). Only a harmonious combination of both exercises will help to solve the main task of this stage of training: the development of the peripheral visual field.

Rice. 29. Number pyramid to expand the field of view

A numerical pyramid consists of two rows of random two-digit numbers evenly diverging from top to bottom and a row of consecutive numbers (from 1 to 12) located in the middle. The axial center numbers guide you through the exercise. The workout is that. fixing the gaze on the numbers of the central line from the gaze, it is necessary to simultaneously recognize the numbers located in the diverging row.

6.1.4. Reading one newspaper daily with vertical eye movements. You already have a wide field of vision. There is no need to slide your eyes over every line of text. You can see everything and understand the text well. Read bolder. You will definitely succeed.

6.1.5. Exercise using the number pyramid (fig. 29).

Exercise 6.2. Gymnastics for the eyes

In the process of your studies at school, the main load falls on the visual system. How to keep your eyesight? Here we recommend you exercises developed for high school students by scientists from the Moscow Research Institute of Eye Diseases. Helmholia under the guidance of Professor E. S. Avetisov.

6.2.1. Five golden rules of vision hygiene:

Rule 1. Watch TV as little as possible.

Rule 4. As much dynamic physical activity as possible for general strengthening of the body and activation of its functions. For vision, playing sports that develop peripheral vision are preferable: football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, etc.

Rule 5. Constantly monitor and strengthen your vision with exercise. Visit a doctor once a year, check your eyesight.

6.2.2. Exercises to prevent visual fatigue and myopia.

The proposed set of exercises, developed by Professor E. S. Avetisov, is recommended to perform 2-3 minutes. at school in the middle of each lesson under the guidance of a teacher. At home, you can do these exercises yourself in the middle of your homework to relieve eye fatigue.

All exercises are performed while sitting at a desk or desk.

1. Lean back on the back of the desk. Take a deep breath. Lean forward to the lid of the desk or table - exhale. Repeat 5-6 times.

2. Lean back on the back of the desk, close your eyelids tightly, as soon as you can close your eyes, open your eyes. Repeat 5-6 times.

3. Put your hands on your belt. Turn your head to the right, look at the elbow of your right hand. Turn your head to the left, look at the elbow of your left hand, Return to starting position. Repeat 5-6 times.

4. Raise your eyes up, make them circular movements in the chapels arrow, then make your eyes circular movements counterclockwise. Repeat 5-6 times.

5. Stretch your arms forward, look at the fingertips, raise your arms up, take a breath, follow your hands with your eyes, without raising your head, lower your hands, exhale. Repeat 4-5 times.

6. Look straight ahead at the chalkboard for 2-3 sec. (at home on your mind's eye screen); then look at the tip of the nose for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 6-8 times.

7. Close the eyelids. Within 30 sec. massage them with the tips of your index fingers.

Analyzing the elements of the fast reading technique, we found ourselves almost half way to mastering the new reading technique. We learn more and more deeply the features of the reading process itself.

But before we continue with the exercises, let's take a look at what we can do today by mastering the six quick-reading conversations.

First, you’ve learned the first rule of fast reading technique — read without regressions. When reading any text, your eyes only move forward.

Second, you always read using the integral reading algorithm. When you finish reading the text, you see, imagine seven blocks of the algorithm and check their completion.

Third, at the end of the reading, a dominant is formed - the main semantic part of the text. Concisely and accurately you can express the main thoughts, ideas of the author.

Fourth, you read without articulation. Information is processed only visually without speaking.

Fifth, you have a wide field of view. You can see almost the entire page in the Contemplating Green Point exercise. You only read narrow newspaper columns with a vertical movement of your eyes.

The listed techniques of the fast reading technique, which you already know, form the basis of the technique. They are the main components of the seven golden rules for fast reading, which will be discussed in the final conversation. So, you already know a lot. What's next? You've probably tried to read not only newspaper articles, but also books with a vertical movement of your eyes, and failed. If you haven't already, try turning two pages of the book back and reading, trying to keep your eyes straight. Despite the fact that the text is already familiar to you, there was still no reading as such. What is the reason? Although you have all the possibilities for vertical reading, psychologically you are not yet ready for it. This task is performed by a new exercise, which we call the "method of assault".

Storming is overcoming your inertia, eradicating your habits. The results of experiments that were carried out in the laboratory of the processes of visual perception of the Institute of Psychology of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR convinced us of the possibility of reading the text with a vertical movement of the eyes. We studied the movement of the eyes of subjects previously trained in rapid reading.

The famous Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet wrote in one of his works: “Reading is something that unites sight, hearing, flair and thinking.” APN USSR V.P. Zinchenko. He said:

“There are people who read with their ears. This is a very slow and unproductive reading. Most people read with their eyes and limit these possibilities of their perception. Real art involves reading with the "nose". This in all does not mean literally leading your nose along the lines. Such reading is the use of a kind of "instinct", in which informative blocks are recognized and processed in the text simultaneously, that is, almost instantly. "

The Turkish poet, whose lines are given at the beginning of this section, and the Soviet scientist expressed thoughts in different ways, the dominant of which can be the following statement: mastering the technique of rapid reading involves something more than training individual analyzers, mental and neurophysiological functions of a person. Obviously, the main thing here is the formation of the integrative activity of the whole organism, which ensures the implementation of the entire complex of tasks related to reading at a qualitatively new level. The final chapters of the book, the last conversations of the training complex are just devoted to this.

Despite the long history of studying the processes of visual perception, science has not yet solved all its secrets. Thanks to sight, a person receives more than 90% of all information about the world around him. However, according to scientists, people do not always use their vision effectively. The opinions of specialists studying the processes of vision, unanimously agree that the eyes are the brain brought forward. How is the perception of the text and its transmission to the brain? Two main stages can be distinguished here: the primary perception of the text with the eyes and its processing.

Studies have shown that when reading, human eyes are in only one of two states: fixation (stopping) or change of fixation points (movement).

The perception of the text occurs only at the moment of stopping, or fixing the eyes. Of the 100 thousand fixations that human eyes make during the day, a huge part of them is not informative, that is, productive. Visual fixations are highly variable in duration and are highly dependent on the object of observation and the value from the point of view of the observer. It is estimated that within an hour the reader's eyes are 57 minutes. are in relative peace - they are fixed in the text.

Naturally, the speed of information processing under these conditions depends on how much information will be received at the moment of stops. Thus, an increase in reading speed is an increase in the ability to perceive information in a larger volume per unit of time when the eyes stop while reading.

A person is usually not aware of eye movements while reading. One of the reasons for this is the absence of the so-called conscious, voluntarily controlled feedback, through which messages about micromovements of the eyes would be transmitted to the brain. A person learns about the direction of his gaze only by the position of the observed objects and under the influence of some other factors, such as turning or tilting the head. However, involuntary eye movements play a large role in visual perception. It is no coincidence that researchers, assessing the complex of processes occurring in the human visual system, note: "We often do not know what we see until we know what we are looking at."

There are three types of eye micromovements: drift (wavy lines) - from the center; fast jumps (straight lines) - back to the center .; high-frequency tremor superimposed on the main drift. The amplitude of all these movements is very small. The diameter of the retinal fovea shown in the figure is only 0.05 mm. An important conclusion follows from this, which is essential for improving the reading technique: the difference between a person who reads quickly and a person who reads slowly lies not in the speed of their eyes, but in the amount of material that the reader perceives at the moment of fixation.

When looking at a certain object, the eye makes regular jumps along its contour with a frequency of 2–5 times per second. Moreover, as observations show, when reading the text, such jumps are made along the line 3-4 times per second. In fig. 20 shows the nature of the micromovements of the eyes.

Most people are mistaken in the belief that while reading, their gaze evenly glides along the lines. In fact, this is not the case. When reading, the eyes make spasmodic movements, stopping only in two or three places on each line. In addition, the visual analyzer extracts from any image, including from the text, only the informative part, that is, it does not transfer the image from one place (from the retina) to another (to the brain) one to one.

The optic nerve has more than 1 million isolated fibers, so the eye, as a complex device, works selectively. It is interesting to compare the retina of the human eye and the associated genetically defined networks of the matrix of the visual cortex of the brain with computing systems. In a quantitative sense, this comparison shows that the retina (in terms of its elements acting in parallel at millisecond intervals) performs work equivalent to a modern digital computing system covering an area of ​​70 m2 and using 4 tons of sophisticated electronic equipment. Physically, as you know, the retina is only about 12 cm 2 * 0.01 cm in volume and weighs about 100 mg. These figures characterize the level of biological microminiaturization and the degree of energy savings in the processing of information achieved in the visual system.

To identify a rational eye movement technique, let's see how the eyes of a person who reads quickly and reads slowly move. Special equipment (Fig. 21) allows a detailed examination of eye movements during reading. The test subject reads the control text placed on an inclined panel. At the same time, the rays of light reflected from the eyes are fixed onto the moving film. Records of eye movements during reading of control texts (Fig. 22) show differences in gaze movements during slow reading of five lines of text, consisting of 50 words (left), and fast reading during the same period of two pages of text of 700 words (right).

Analyzing these and other records, one can notice that each vertical line represents the fixation of the eyes in the process of reading, during which the direct perception of information occurs. Horizontal lines are short-term eye movements between fixations. In the left fragment, the eyes move along the lines of text and pass each of them in 10-15 fixations, then the gaze returns to the beginning of the next line. And so it is repeated 5 times.

The process of reading in a generalized form graphically represents, as it were, parallel stairs, following one after the other. The right fragment shows the recording of eye movements at a reading speed 4 times higher than in the left. The total number of fixations is the same here, but over the same period of time, 14 times more words were read in the right fragment (2 pages of text). Comparative analysis of these two records makes it possible to establish the following basic parameters of eye movement during reading, which determine the speed of perception: the number of eye fixations per 100 words of the text; the number of words perceived in one fixation; duration of fixation; the number of regressions per 100 words of text.

A large complex of work on the study of eye movement was carried out by the Soviet researcher Professor A. L. Yarbus. The technique developed by him allows, using a special rubber suction cup with a mirror, fixed to the surface of the eyeball, to record the features of eye movement during various mental work. In fig. 23 shows one of the first records of A. L. Yarbus.

The subject was a student with an average reading ability. One of the recordings was made on stationary photographic paper (bottom left), and the other on moving paper (right). The student read all 14 lines of W. Shakespeare's sonnet in 47 seconds.

The study of eye movement is the object of close attention of psychophysicists, physiologists, psychologists and specialists in the field of neurocybernetics.

The analysis of research by specialists shows that to increase the speed of reading it is necessary to: reduce the number of eye fixations and their duration; increase the number of words perceived in one fixation; reduce the number of regressions.

Obviously, these requirements will be met by such a reading technique in which the reader's eyes move vertically from top to bottom along an imaginary line drawn in the center of the page, with slight fluctuations to the right and left. In traditional slow reading, the eyes move evenly along the lines of the page from left to right and at the end of each line they return to the beginning of the next. With fast reading, eye movement is more economical, since the eyes travel the entire page of text along the shortest path - a straight line (Fig. 24).

To read quickly, you must have well-developed peripheral vision. What is meant by this term? When the gaze moves along the lines of the text, the greatest visual acuity and completeness of perception arise only in the central zone of the retina, the so-called zone of clear vision. Everything that lies outside this zone, on the periphery, is seen as if in a fog. The various physiological possibilities of the visual zones are shown in Fig. 25.

A wide field of view is essential for fast reading. It significantly reduces the search time for informative text fragments.

Some animals, for example, have a much larger field of vision than humans. The researchers found that those animals that detect the approach of an enemy or prey mainly with the help of sight developed panoramic vision in the process of evolution. The optical axes of their eyes are directed in different directions, so that the field of view covers a wide area from the sides and behind their own body. In such an animal, the field of view of the right and left eyes, taken together, sometimes makes up an angle of view close to 360 °. Ahead, these fields overlap only by a few degrees, or may not overlap at all. The advantages of panoramic vision are obvious: the more of the world around you is continuously displayed on the retina, the more effective the warning system is. Psychologists have convincingly proved that the amount of gaze fixation and the size of the operative field from which information is retrieved depend on training.

We managed to find a special methodological tool and develop exercises that significantly expand the field of clear vision and solve the problem of vertical eye movement in the center of the page while reading. Schulte's test digital tables, widely known among psychologists, turned out to be such a tool. The insert attached to the book contains 8 Schulte tables. When working with them, you need to concentrate your gaze in the center of the next table, see it in its entirety and find all the visible numbers in the order of increase in the count for a time of no more than 25 seconds. Schulte tables are usually used to study and develop the mental rate of perception, in particular the speed of visual orientation-search movements. Each table is a 20X20 cm square, divided into 25 cells, with numbers from 1 to 25 inscribed in the cells in random order. You need to use all 8 tables or make them yourself according to the sample (Fig. 26). The time taken to find the entire row of numbers in each table is measured by a stopwatch.

Readers with good attention parameters and a wide field of view spend 25-30 seconds on one table. In the course of training with the entire set of tables, the search time is gradually reduced and for individuals it reaches 11–12 seconds, and in some cases even up to 7–8 seconds. Moreover, as a rule, the total time increases only due to a delay on any one of the two-digit numbers, all the other numbers are found quickly, but then the person suddenly again cannot find the next number - he looks at it and does not see, sometimes it even seems to him that this number is simply not in the table. Such features of working with Schulte tables indicate the uneven pace of human mental activity.

For a healthy and rested person, each table takes approximately the same amount of time. The increase in the time to find the numbers in the last tables suggests that the person is somewhat tired. As you train, the speed of finding numbers gradually increases due to the development of peripheral vision. It is interesting to trace the nature of changes in eye movement when working with tables. In fig. 26 shows a record of the movement of the eyes of a person who does not have instructions on how to work with tables. The total search time for all digits is 60 seconds. As shown in the figure, the gaze moves from digit to digit in succession. Such training does practically nothing for the development of the peripheral visual field.

Rice. 28. Recording of eye movements when working with the Schulte table for 8 - 11 seconds.

Rice. 27 demonstrates a more sophisticated number-finding technique. The student seeks to keep his gaze in the central field of the table, fixing all the other numbers with peripheral vision. This is an example of effective training for widening the field of vision. The working time with tables in this case is 15–20 sec. Finally, in Fig. 28 - an example of searching for numbers for students who have achieved perfection in working with Schulte tables. The gaze actually fixes the central part of the table motionlessly. Search time for all digits 8 - 11 sec.

When working with Schulte tables, you should always remember that training is not an end in itself. The main thing is to expand the field of vision, which can only be achieved with careful implementation of the rules for working with tables, systematic and deliberate training. It should also not be forgotten that Schulte tables are actually a model of a page of text. Working with the table includes two stages: preparatory and executive. Moreover, the preparatory stage is of paramount importance. It contains the following requirement: before starting to work with the table, the gaze is fixed in its center. The task is to see the entire table as a whole.

The executive stage involves a sequential search for all numbers from 1 to 25. If we talk about training the peripheral visual field, then it occurs only at those moments when you fix your gaze in the center of the table and strive to cover it all with your gaze. It is at this moment that the peripheral zones of the retina of the eye are irritated and neural ensembles are formed, which ensure the retrieval and processing of information from the reserve zones of the field. In other words, further work may not be done if the initial stage is completed efficiently and efficiently. By fixing your gaze in the center of the table, you are sending a panorama of the entire table to the matrix of the brain's RAM. And further activity is no longer a search for numbers, but a kind of recollection of their already known location in the cells of the table.

Exercise 6.1. Development of peripheral vision

6.1.1. Rules for working with Schulte tables.

1. For training use all 8 tables.

2. It is necessary to find numbers by silent counting, that is, silently, in ascending order from 1 to 25 (without a gap). Go through all 8 tables in turn in any order. The numbers found are indicated only with a glance; for this, both hands hold the table in a slightly tilted position. As a result of such training, the time for reading one table should be no more than 25 seconds.

3. Before starting work with the table, the gaze is fixed in its center in order to see the whole table (remember the exercise with the green dot and the recommendations above).

4. When searching for consecutive digits, it is allowed to fix the eyes only in the center of the table. Horizontal eye movements are prohibited. The distance from the table to the eyes is the same as when reading ordinary text, that is, approximately 25-30 cm.

5. Set the time and frequency of training yourself, remembering that you should not overwork.

6.1.2. Training with Schulte tables. You should work with a set of Schulte tables on a daily basis in accordance with the stated rules. Achieve reading of any table in no more than 25 seconds.

6.1.3. Exercise "Contemplation of the green point." As shown in the second conversation (p. 24), this exercise also effectively solves the problem of expanding the field of view. Unlike Schulte tables, it is static. It is in the combination of dynamic training with Schulte tables and static contemplation of the green dot that the secret of success in training the visual analyzer lies. If you have been doing this exercise carefully throughout the entire time, then today, observing the green dot, you can clearly see almost the entire page “at certain moments of clear consciousness”. We strongly recommend that you pay more attention to the "Contemplation of the green dot" exercise during the training period with the Schulte tables. Analyze your progress. Read again the section of the second conversation (p. 24). Only a harmonious combination of both exercises will help to solve the main task of this stage of training: the development of the peripheral visual field.

A numerical pyramid consists of two rows of random two-digit numbers evenly diverging from top to bottom and a row of consecutive numbers (from 1 to 12) located in the middle. The axial center numbers guide you through the exercise. The workout is that. fixing the gaze on the numbers of the central line from the gaze, it is necessary to simultaneously recognize the numbers located in the diverging row.

6.1.4. Reading one newspaper daily with vertical eye movements. You already have a wide field of vision. There is no need to slide your eyes over every line of text. You can see everything and understand the text well. Read bolder. You will definitely succeed.

6.1.5. Exercise using the number pyramid (fig. 29).

Exercise 6.2. Gymnastics for the eyes

In the process of your studies at school, the main load falls on the visual system. How to keep your eyesight? Here we recommend you exercises developed for high school students by scientists from the Moscow Research Institute of Eye Diseases. Helmholia under the guidance of Professor E. S. Avetisov.

6.2.1. Five golden rules of vision hygiene:

Rule 1. Watch TV as little as possible.

Rule 4. As much dynamic physical activity as possible for general strengthening of the body and activation of its functions. For vision, playing sports that develop peripheral vision are preferable: football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, etc.

Rule 5. Constantly monitor and strengthen your vision with exercise. Visit a doctor once a year, check your eyesight.

6.2.2. Exercises to prevent visual fatigue and myopia.

The proposed set of exercises, developed by Professor E. S. Avetisov, is recommended to perform 2-3 minutes. at school in the middle of each lesson under the guidance of a teacher. At home, you can do these exercises yourself in the middle of your homework to relieve eye fatigue.

All exercises are performed while sitting at a desk or desk.

1. Lean back on the back of the desk. Take a deep breath. Lean forward to the lid of the desk or table - exhale. Repeat 5-6 times.

2. Lean back on the back of the desk, close your eyelids tightly, as soon as you can close your eyes, open your eyes. Repeat 5-6 times.

3. Put your hands on your belt. Turn your head to the right, look at the elbow of your right hand. Turn your head to the left, look at the elbow of your left hand, Return to starting position. Repeat 5-6 times.

4. Raise your eyes up, make them circular movements in the chapels arrow, then make your eyes circular movements counterclockwise. Repeat 5-6 times.

5. Stretch your arms forward, look at the fingertips, raise your arms up, take a breath, follow your hands with your eyes, without raising your head, lower your hands, exhale. Repeat 4-5 times.

6. Look straight ahead at the chalkboard for 2-3 sec. (at home on your mind's eye screen); then look at the tip of the nose for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 6-8 times.

7. Close the eyelids. Within 30 sec. massage them with the tips of your index fingers.

Analyzing the elements of the fast reading technique, we found ourselves almost half way to mastering the new reading technique. We learn more and more deeply the features of the reading process itself.

But before we continue with the exercises, let's take a look at what we can do today by mastering the six quick-reading conversations.

First, you’ve learned the first rule of fast reading technique — read without regressions. When reading any text, your eyes only move forward.

Second, you always read using the integral reading algorithm. When you finish reading the text, you see, imagine seven blocks of the algorithm and check their completion.

Third, at the end of the reading, a dominant is formed - the main semantic part of the text. Concisely and accurately you can express the main thoughts, ideas of the author.

Fourth, you read without articulation. Information is processed only visually without speaking.

Fifth, you have a wide field of view. You can see almost the entire page in the Contemplating Green Point exercise. You only read narrow newspaper columns with a vertical movement of your eyes.

The listed techniques of the fast reading technique, which you already know, form the basis of the technique. They are the main components of the seven golden rules for fast reading, which will be discussed in the final conversation. So, you already know a lot. What's next? You've probably tried to read not only newspaper articles, but also books with a vertical movement of your eyes, and failed. If you haven't already, try turning two pages of the book back and reading, trying to keep your eyes straight. Despite the fact that the text is already familiar to you, there was still no reading as such. What is the reason? Although you have all the possibilities for vertical reading, psychologically you are not yet ready for it. This task is performed by a new exercise, which we call the "method of assault".

Storming is overcoming your inertia, eradicating your habits. The results of experiments that were carried out in the laboratory of the processes of visual perception of the Institute of Psychology of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR convinced us of the possibility of reading the text with a vertical movement of the eyes. We studied the movement of the eyes of subjects previously trained in rapid reading.

The subject, sitting in a chair, read a text placed vertically in front of him at a distance of 30 cm. In order to get used to reading with a Yarbus suction cup attached to the outer surface of the eyeball, training sessions were conducted. After two or three days of training, the suction cup was no longer in the way.

The texts changed after one reading.

Consider experimental recordings of eye movements. In fig. 30 is a record of eye movements according to the text of a note from the newspaper Pravda by subject C ... who had completed training three months before this study. She read the article in five paragraphs in 20 seconds, showing a reading speed of 4800 characters per minute.

As follows from this figure, eye fixations and the gaze track are located mostly on key words or in their semantic field, where the semantic rows are located. It is noteworthy to read the last paragraph of the note: the trajectory of the gaze passes through the first half of the paragraph in the middle, and the keywords are also equally spaced from the center to the right and left. The last third of the paragraph is characterized by an asymmetric transfer of the trajectory of eye movement from left to right - in the middle of the semantic rows.

In fig. 31 is a record of eye movements of the subject M., who was trained a year before the experimental study. The text, consisting of six paragraphs, was read by the subject in 25 seconds. Keywords are spaced evenly relative to the conditional vertical drawn through the middle of the columns. The trajectory of gaze movements here also reflects the desire to balance the keywords and the gravitation towards the semantic series as a nuclear basis. We see that M. uses vertical reading, however, there are many horizontal eye movements, unjustified regressions. By comparing this record with the previous one, one can judge the ultimate success of the trained person. During stages of the learning process itself, these notes are now used as reinforcing feedback.

It can be seen from the above records that the fixation of the gaze is located precisely on the key words and semantic series, that is, the central field of view is focused on certain semantic groups that are significant for both the author and the reader. This happens as a result of teaching fast reading according to a methodology aimed at understanding semantic connections in the text. The developed peripheral visual field of a trained reader, combined with reading without articulation, is that sufficient feedback that directs the central visual field to the most significant semantic centers in the text - the “golden core”. If we draw an averaged line that determines the trajectory of eye movement when reading the text in all the analyzed experiments, then it will run almost vertically from top to bottom in the center of the page.

The Storming Method exercise helps you master this eye movement technique. However, vertical eye movement is not an end in itself. The main task of the exercise is to change the program of text perception so that the largest amount of semantic information is received per unit of time. It is necessary to constantly remember about the selective ability of the brain. It has been established that in the process of reading, while fixing the gaze on a line of text, only the most important is directed along the optic nerve in a compressed form, the secondary remains "for later" or is not taken at all.

The visual system not only transfers to the brain information about the distribution of letters and their configurations on certain sections of the pages of the book, but from the very beginning, when the image of the text only hits the retina, it identifies the characteristic elements of the configurations of words, without reacting to those parts of the text that convey insignificant information about what he saw. As psychologists have established, when reading, words are recognized due to their associative connection with concepts, with some algorithmic scheme or a set of correlations, meanings that the reader himself constructs. People are constantly engaged in such algorithmic recognition of visual images. Apparently, it is based on a process in which words serve only as a kind of "keys" that help to construct (generate) a figurative representation of the meaning of the message that is given by the brain at the moment of reading.

In fig. We have already seen 24 in the comparison of the pattern of movement of the gaze during slow and fast reading. Moving your gaze to the center of the page provides the most effective reading strategy. If you look from the outside at a person who reads quickly, you get the impression that he is, as it were, cutting a page with his chin from top to bottom. But if you carefully observe this process for a long time, you will notice that sometimes the reader's eyes deviate slightly from the vertical - now to the right, then to the left. This reading can be explained as follows.

When the reader's eyes move vertically in the center of the page, the text is perceived and recognized in accordance with the standards available in memory.

But suddenly the gaze deviated from the vertical line, and the eyes ran along the line, absorbing essentially new information. The eyes carry out an involuntary command from the brain. Immediately, by an instant search, it was established: there is no such information in the storage pantry. The data read is of interest and should be understood more deeply. But as soon as this is done, you can return to vertical reading again. The question arises, how often the eyes deviate from the general vertical movement.

Observations show that this rarely happens in a trained person. The reason is the redundancy of the text. Finding and processing only the meaningful part of the text is the task of fast reading. And the skill of vertical eye movement is one of the most effective ways to solve this problem.

The Storming Method exercise is based on creating a stressful situation. Only 15 seconds are given to read one page of the book. And during this time you should really read, and not look or run.

Imagine that you are in a maze. For a long time you are looking for a way out, your strength is running out, the last match remains. Finally, you come to the sign where the rules for exiting the maze are written. For 15 seconds that the match burns, you must have time to read, understand and remember the instructions Your life depends on it. Maximum mobilization of all forces, attention and concentration. You got ready, started reading.

The above situation is the "Assault Method" exercise, with the only difference that you need to read in this mode not one page, but 10-12 books, each 50-100 pages long What to read? How to mark the time? What to understand in what you read? Let's look at these issues together.

Rules for the exercise "Method of assault"

1. It is necessary to prepare 10-12 books of popular science, 50-100 pages each. The desired book format is the same as this one.

2. The first two or three books must be prepared in advance - to make the markup: draw light lines with a simple pencil vertically from top to bottom in the center of each page.

4. Record the time of reading each page by a stopwatch located in the field of view. You can record time stamps on a tape recorder. It is possible, which is more preferable, to take the integral time to read the entire book. For example, read 100 pages in 25 minutes.

5. The main thing in this reading is a strictly vertical movement of the eyes in the center of the page with full coverage of the entire text field. Fixation of the eyes - their stopping and partially horizontal movements - are permissible, but only in places with the highest informative density.

6. It is not yet necessary to fully understand and assimilate what has been read with such reading. It should be remembered that the "storming method" is not a way of reading, but only a methodological technique that forms the skill of vertical movement of the eyes in the center of the page.

7. Each book is read by you from beginning to end without interruption. At the end of the reading, you need to answer the following questions in writing: the title of the book, its author, imprint, what is this book about and what are the most interesting events, facts, phenomena that you remember?

Exercise 6.3. Vertical eye movements

Determination of the reading speed.

As usual, prepare a stopwatch, notebook, pen. You will now be reading the text below. This text is in narrow columns to help you read it in a strictly vertical movement of your eyes, with full coverage of the entire column. Read bolder. Remember: your task is to find in the text the answers to the questions posed in the blocks of the integral reading algorithm.

Reading start time ____________________

Reading end time ________________

Time of reading the text ____________________

Now write down the answers to the ten questions given in Appendix 5 in a notebook and calculate the reading speed using the formula you know. Record the results in your reading speed growth plan and graph.

The main thing for Freud is not consciousness, but the unconscious. The personality of a person is, as it were, three-layered. “It” is a complex of instinctive desires rushing out. “Ego”, that is, “I”, is a consciousness that keeps these instincts within reasonable, human boundaries. And the "super-ego", the super-self - what is consciously assimilated by a person from other people - the requirements of society, social norms, etc.

The "principle of reality" operates in human life, says Freud. It is impossible to live according to the laws of "It": then we will lose our human appearance. But, on the other hand, it is inconceivable to always comply with the requirements of the "Super-Ego" - we are people, not automata!

However, the "Super-Ego" presses on us: "Do the right thing!" In practice, we cannot but violate its requirements - but we experience anxiety (frustration), a sense of guilt. Mechanisms of protection, self-justification, compensation are included. For example, we forget what we subconsciously want to forget.

The "ego" is forced to act on two fronts: to restrain the rushing forward "It" and at the same time to reconcile the maximalism of the "Super-Ego" with the "natural" desire to preserve individuality. But "Super-Ego" cannot be contained - that is why one has to look for workarounds, evasions. What harmony there is! "The Swan breaks into the clouds, Cancer moves back, and the Pike pulls into the water ..."

Of course, it is already clear to you what the most important miscalculation of Freud's theory of personality is. The social nature of the psyche as a whole is completely denied. "It", that is, desires, experiences - everything that lies outside the mind - is declared aggressively extrasocial and at the same time deeply biological. And the social components of consciousness ("Ego"), although they seem to be organic, become for Freud a source of constant internal disharmony of the personality. The social and biological are always at war in a person.

Soviet psychologists who analyzed Freud's views have repeatedly noted: this picture is realistic, but it is typical for a person with pathological deviations in the personality structure, for a neurotic. Freud was a physician, a psychiatrist, dealt with the nervous, and the medical specialty did a disservice to Freud theorist. However, even in the case of nervous patients, "It" is in no way reducible to only biological needs, innate instincts.

But this picture is realistic in another respect. Sociality of sociality is different. And if the "Super-Ego" reflects the system of requirements of bourgeois society, social norms dictated by the ruling class.

The “ego,” or, more simply, the personality, may not accept them, repulse them, although it is forced to adapt to them. But this disorder of the personality has nothing to do with the universal universal laws of the psyche: it is historically and socially conditioned, it is a reflection in the human psyche of the disorder of society itself, the contradictions between the dominant ideology and class consciousness. This is what Freud could not see.

And nevertheless, he did a great job for modern psychology by drawing its attention to the "layer" lying between consciousness and automatic, completely unconscious processes, and thus helped to build a bridge between the "soul" and the mechanisms of behavior, activity. Freud, one might say, dug under the border pillar between consciousness and unconsciousness.

Leont'ev A. A. The world of man and the world of language. - M., 1984. - S. 118-119.

4. When searching for consecutive digits, it is allowed to fix the eyes only in the center of the table. Horizontal eye movements are prohibited. The distance from the table to the eyes is the same as when reading ordinary text, that is, approximately 25-30 cm.

5. Set the time and frequency of training yourself, remembering that you should not overwork.

6.1.2. Training with Schulte tables. You should work with a set of Schulte tables on a daily basis in accordance with the stated rules. Achieve reading of any table in no more than 25 seconds.

6.1.3. Exercise "Contemplation of the green point." As shown in the second conversation (p. 24), this exercise also effectively solves the problem of expanding the field of view. Unlike Schulte tables, it is static. It is in the combination of dynamic training with Schulte tables and static contemplation of the green dot that the secret of success in training the visual analyzer lies. If you have been doing this exercise carefully throughout the entire time, then today, observing the green dot, you can clearly see almost the entire page “at certain moments of clear consciousness”. We strongly recommend that you pay more attention to the "Contemplation of the green dot" exercise during the training period with the Schulte tables. Analyze your progress. Read the second conversation section again.

(p. 24), Only a harmonious combination of both exercises will help to solve the main task of this stage of training: the development of the peripheral visual field.

6.1.4. Reading one newspaper daily with vertical eye movements. You already have a wide field of vision. There is no need to slide your eyes over every line of text. You can see everything and understand the text well. Read bolder. You will definitely succeed.

6.1.5. Exercise using the number pyramid (fig. 29).

Rice. 29. Number pyramid to expand the field of view.

The number pyramid consists of two equals. rows of random two-digit numbers that are regularly diverging from top to bottom and a series of consecutive numbers (from 1 to 12) located in the middle. The axial center numbers guide you through the exercise. The workout is. what. fixing the gaze on the numbers of the central line from the gaze, it is necessary to simultaneously recognize the numbers located in the diverging row.

Exercise 6.2. Gymnastics for the eyes

In the process of your studies at school, the main load falls on the visual system. How to keep your eyesight? Here we recommend you exercises developed for high school students by scientists from the Moscow Research Institute of Eye Diseases. Helmholia under the guidance of Professor E. S. Avetisov.

6.2.1. Five golden rules of vision hygiene:

Rule 1. Watch TV as little as possible.

Rule 4. As much dynamic physical activity as possible for general strengthening of the body and activation of its functions. For vision, playing sports that develop peripheral vision are preferable: football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, etc.

Rule 5. Constantly monitor and strengthen your vision with exercise. Visit a doctor once a year, check your eyesight.

6.2.2. Exercises to prevent visual fatigue and myopia.

The proposed set of exercises, developed by Professor E. S. Avetisov, is recommended to be performed for 2-3 minutes. at school in the middle of each lesson under the guidance of a teacher. At home, you can do these exercises yourself in the middle of your homework to relieve eye fatigue.

All exercises are performed while sitting at a desk or desk.

1. Lean back on the back of the desk. Take a deep breath. Lean forward to the lid of the desk or table - exhale. Repeat 5-6 times.

2. Lean back on the desk, close your eyelids. as hard as you can. close your eyes, open your eyes. Repeat 5-6 times.

3. Put your hands on your belt. Turn your head to the right, look at the elbow of your right hand. Turn your head to the left, look at the elbow of your left hand, Return to starting position. Repeat 5-b times.

4. Raise your eyes up, make them circular movements in the chapels arrow, then make your eyes circular movements counterclockwise. Repeat 5-6 times.

5. Stretch your arms forward, look at the fingertips, raise your arms up, take a breath, follow your hands with your eyes, without raising your head, lower your hands, exhale. Repeat 4-5 times.

6. Look straight ahead at the chalkboard for 2-3 sec. (at home on your mind's eye screen); then look at the tip of the nose for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 6-8 times.

7. Close the eyelids. Within 30 sec. massage them with the tips of your index fingers.

How to learn to read with vertical eye movements

Analyzing the elements of the fast reading technique, we found ourselves almost half way to mastering the new reading technique. We learn more and more deeply the features of the reading process itself.

But before we continue with the exercises, let's take a look at what we can do today by mastering the six quick-reading conversations.

First, you’ve learned the first rule of fast reading technique — read without regressions. At. When reading any text, your eyes only move forward.

Second, you always read using the integral reading algorithm. When you finish reading the text, you see, imagine seven blocks of the algorithm and check their completion.

Third, at the end of the reading, a dominant is formed - the main semantic part of the text. Concisely and accurately you can express the main thoughts, ideas of the author.

Fourth, you read without articulation. Information is processed only visually without speaking.

Fifth, you have a wide field of view. You can see almost the entire page in the Contemplating Green Point exercise. You only read narrow newspaper columns with a vertical movement of your eyes.

The listed techniques of the fast reading technique, which you already know, form the basis of the technique. They are the main components of the seven golden rules for fast reading, which will be discussed in the final conversation. So, you already know a lot. What's next? You've probably tried to read not only newspaper articles, but also books with a vertical movement of your eyes, and failed. If you haven't already, try turning two pages of the book back and reading, trying to keep your eyes straight. Despite the fact that the text is already familiar to you, there was still no reading as such. What is the reason? Although you have all the possibilities for vertical reading, psychologically you are not yet ready for it. This task is performed by a new exercise, which we call the "method of assault".

Storming is overcoming your momentum, eradicating your habits. The results of experiments that were carried out in the laboratory of the processes of visual perception of the Institute of Psychology of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR convinced us of the possibility of reading the text with a vertical movement of the eyes. We studied the movement of the eyes of subjects previously trained in rapid reading.

The subject, sitting in a chair, read a text placed vertically in front of him at a distance of 30 cm. In order to get used to reading with a Yarbus suction cup attached to the outer surface of the eyeball, training sessions were conducted. After two or three days of training, the suction cup was no longer in the way.

The texts changed after one reading.

Consider experimental recordings of eye movements. In fig. 30 shows a record of eye movements according to the text of a note from the newspaper Pravda by subject S. who had completed training three months before this study. She read the article in five paragraphs in 20 seconds, showing a reading speed of 4800 characters per minute.

As follows from this figure, eye fixations and the gaze track are located mostly on key words or in their semantic field, where the semantic rows are located. It is noteworthy to read the last paragraph of the note: the trajectory of the gaze passes through the first half of the paragraph in the middle, and the keywords are also equally spaced from the center to the right and left. The last third of the paragraph is characterized by an asymmetric transfer of the trajectory of eye movement from left to right, in the middle of the series of meaning.

Rice. 30. Recording eye movements at a reading speed of 4800 characters per minute

In fig. 31 is a record of eye movements of the subject M., who was trained a year before the experimental study. The text, consisting of six paragraphs, was read by the subject in 25 seconds. Keywords are spaced evenly relative to the conditional vertical drawn through the middle of the columns. The trajectory of gaze movements here also reflects the desire to balance the keywords and the gravitation towards the semantic series as a nuclear basis. We see that M. uses vertical reading, however, there are many horizontal eye movements, unjustified regressions.

Rice. 31. Recording eye movements at a reading speed of 3000 characters per minute

By comparing this record with the previous one, one can judge the ultimate success of the trained person. During stages of the learning process itself, these notes are now used as reinforcing feedback.

It can be seen from the above records that the fixation of the gaze is located precisely on the key words and semantic series, that is, the central field of view is focused on certain semantic groups that are significant for both the author and the reader. This happens as a result of teaching fast reading according to a methodology aimed at understanding semantic connections in the text. The developed peripheral visual field of a trained reader, combined with reading without articulation, is that sufficient feedback that directs the central visual field to the most significant semantic centers in the text - the “golden core”. If we draw an averaged line that determines the trajectory of eye movement when reading the text in all the analyzed experiments, then it will run almost vertically from top to bottom in the center of the page.

The Storming Method exercise helps you master this eye movement technique. However, vertical eye movement is not an end in itself. The main task of the exercise is to change the program of text perception so that the largest amount of semantic information is received per unit of time. It is necessary to constantly remember about the selective ability of the brain. It has been established that in the process of reading, while fixing the gaze on a line of text, only the most important is directed along the optic nerve in a compressed form, the secondary remains "for later" or is not taken at all.

The visual system not only transfers to the brain information about the distribution of letters and their configurations on certain sections of the pages of the book, but from the very beginning, when the image of the text only hits the retina, it identifies the characteristic elements of the configurations of words, without reacting to those parts of the text that convey insignificant information about what he saw. As psychologists have established, when reading, words are recognized due to their associative connection with concepts, with some algorithmic scheme or a set of correlations, meanings that the reader himself constructs. People are constantly engaged in such algorithmic recognition of visual images. Apparently, it is based on a process in which words serve only as a kind of "keys" that help to construct (generate) a figurative representation of the meaning of the message that is given by the brain at the moment of reading.

In fig. We have already seen 24 in the comparison of the pattern of movement of the gaze during slow and fast reading. Moving your gaze to the center of the page provides the most effective reading strategy. If you look from the outside at a person who reads quickly, you get the impression that he is, as it were, cutting a page with his chin from top to bottom. But if you carefully observe this process for a long time, you will notice that sometimes the eyes of the reader deviate slightly from the vertical to the right or to the left. This reading can be explained as follows.

When the reader's eyes move vertically in the center of the page, the text is perceived and recognized in accordance with the standards available in memory.

But suddenly the gaze deviated from the vertical line, and the eyes ran along the line, absorbing essentially new information. The eyes carry out an involuntary command from the brain. Immediately, by an instant search, it was established: there is no such information in the storage pantry. The data read is of interest and should be understood more deeply. But as soon as this is done, you can return to vertical reading again. The question arises, how often the eyes deviate from the general vertical movement.

Observations show that this rarely happens in a trained person. The reason is the redundancy of the text. Finding and processing only the meaningful part of the text is the task of fast reading. And the skill of vertical eye movement is one of the most effective ways to solve this problem.

The Storming Method exercise is based on creating a stressful situation. Only 15 seconds are given to read one page of the book. And during this time you should really read, and not look or run.

Imagine that you are in a maze. For a long time you are looking for a way out, your strength is running out, the last match remains. Finally, you come to the sign where the rules for exiting the maze are written. For 15 seconds that the match burns, you must have time to read, understand and remember the instructions Your life depends on it. Maximum mobilization of all forces, attention and concentration. You got ready, started reading.

The above situation is the "Assault Method" exercise, with the only difference that you need to read in this mode not one page, but 10-12 books, each 50-100 pages long. What to read? How to mark the time? What to understand in what you read? Let's look at these issues together.

Rules for the exercise "Method of assault"

1. It is necessary to prepare 10-12 books of popular science, 50-100 pages each. The desired book format is the same as this one.

2. The first two or three books must be prepared in advance - make the markup: draw light lines with a simple pencil vertically from top to bottom in the center of each page.

4. Record the time of reading each page by a stopwatch located in the field of view. You can record time stamps on a tape recorder. It is possible, which is more preferable, to take the integral time to read the entire book. For example, read 100 pages in 25 minutes.

5. The main thing with such reading is strictly vertical movement of the eyes in the center of the page with full coverage of the entire text field. Fixation of the eyes, their stopping and partially horizontal movements, are permissible, but only in places with the highest informative density.

6. It is not yet necessary to fully understand and assimilate what has been read with such reading. It should be remembered that the "storming method" is not a way of reading, but only a methodological technique that forms the skill of vertical movement of the eyes in the center of the page.

7. Each book is read by you from beginning to end without interruption. At the end of the reading, you need to answer the following questions in writing: the title of the book, its author, imprint, what is this book about and what are the most interesting events, facts, phenomena that you remember?

Exercise 6.3. Vertical eye movements

Determining the reading speed

As usual, prepare a stopwatch, notebook, pen. You will now be reading the text below. This text is in narrow columns to help you read it in a strictly vertical movement of your eyes, with full coverage of the entire column. Read bolder. Remember: your task is to find in the text the answers to the questions posed in the blocks of the integral reading algorithm.

Reading start time ____________________

Reading end time ________________

Time of reading the text ____________________

Now write down the answers to the ten questions given in Appendix 5 in a notebook and calculate the reading speed using the formula you know. Record the results in your reading speed growth plan and graph.

Control text No. 6 Volume 2700 characters

TWO WORDS ABOUT "FASHIONABLE" FREUD

The main thing for Freud is not consciousness, but the unconscious. The personality of a person is, as it were, three-layered. “It” is a complex of instinctive desires rushing out. “Ego”, that is, “I”, is a consciousness that keeps these instincts within reasonable, human boundaries. And the "super-ego", the super-self - what is consciously assimilated by a person from other people - the requirements of society, social norms, etc.

The "principle of reality" operates in human life, says Freud. It is impossible to live according to the laws of "It": then we will lose our human appearance. But, on the other hand, it is inconceivable to always comply with the requirements of the "Super-Ego" - we are people, not automata!

However, the "Super-Ego" presses on us: "Do the right thing!" In practice, we cannot but violate its requirements, but we experience anxiety (frustration), a sense of guilt. Mechanisms of protection, self-justification, compensation are included. For example, we forget what we subconsciously want to forget.

The "ego" is forced to act on two fronts: to restrain the rushing forward "It" and at the same time to reconcile the maximalism of the "Super-Ego" with the "natural" desire to preserve individuality. But "Super-Ego" cannot be contained - that is why one has to look for workarounds, evasions. What harmony there is! "The Swan breaks into the clouds, Cancer moves back, and the Pike pulls into the water ..."

Of course, it is already clear to you what the most important miscalculation of Freud's theory of personality is. The social nature of the psyche as a whole is completely denied. "It", that is, desires, experiences - everything that lies outside the mind - is declared aggressively extrasocial and at the same time deeply biological. And the social components of consciousness ("Ego"), although they seem to be organic, become for Freud a source of constant internal disharmony of the personality. The social and biological are always at war in a person.

Soviet psychologists who analyzed Freud's views have repeatedly noted: this picture is realistic, but it is typical for a person with pathological deviations in the personality structure, for a neurotic. Freud was a physician, a psychiatrist, dealt with the nervous, and the medical specialty did a disservice to Freud theorist. However, even in the case of nervous patients, "It" is in no way reducible to only biological needs, innate instincts.

But this picture is realistic in another respect. Sociality of sociality is different. And if the "Super-Ego" reflects the system of requirements of bourgeois society, social norms dictated by the ruling class.

The “ego,” or, more simply, the personality, may not accept them, repulse them, although it is forced to adapt to them. But this disorder of the personality has nothing to do with the universal universal laws of the psyche: it is historically and socially conditioned, it is a reflection in the human psyche of the disorder of society itself, the contradictions between the dominant ideology and class consciousness. This is what Freud could not see.

And nevertheless, he did a great job for modern psychology by drawing its attention to the "layer" lying between consciousness and automatic, completely unconscious processes, and thus helped to build a bridge between the "soul" and the mechanisms of behavior, activity. Freud, one might say, dug under the border pillar between consciousness and unconsciousness.

Leont'ev A.A. The world of man and the world of language.-M., 1984.- S. 118-119.

CONVERSATION SEVEN I. ATTENTION WHEN READING

Attention is a catalyst for reading

The role of attention in reading is exceptionally great. Attention also determines to a large extent the effectiveness of many other types of human activity. Attention is one of the signs of will. The degree of concentration or organization of attention is an indicator of the speed of reading.

According to the figurative expression of KD Ushinsky, "attention is precisely that door through which everything that only enters a person's soul from the outside world passes through."

So, attention plays a huge role in a person's life. It is with his help that other mental processes become full-fledged. Where there is no attention, there is no conscious attitude of a person to what he is doing.

What is attention? It cannot be considered an independent mental process like emotions, thinking, memory. It does not exist outside of them. We can carefully perceive, think, remember, but it is impossible to be just attentive, regardless of perception, thinking, memorization.

Psychologists call attention the selective orientation of a creature when performing a certain job. Reading is a type of activity in which attention is especially important. Indeed, it is possible to study the rapid reading method as a theory, but without the ability to concentrate, organize attention, this method is unlikely to be applied. This means that teaching fast reading should include concentration as an obligatory element of the development of mental concentration skills. And for this, first of all, it is necessary to know the reasons that cause the formation of stable attention, its maintenance and disappearance.

From the point of view of physiology, according to the teachings of I.P. Pavlov, attention can be explained by the law of the induction of nervous processes. According to this law, excitation processes occurring in one area of ​​the cerebral cortex cause inhibition in other areas (negative induction), and conversely, inhibition in one part of the cortex entails excitation in other parts of the cortex (positive induction). The phenomenon of induction arises immediately, as soon as a sufficiently concentrated focus of excitation or inhibition appears at one point or another of the cortex.

Thus, at each moment of time in the cerebral cortex of a thinking person there is a certain focus of increased excitability, characterized by the most favorable, optimal energy conditions for excitation. “If it was possible, - said I. P. Pavlov, - to see through the cranial lid and if the place of the cerebral hemispheres shone with optimal excitability, then we would see in a thinking conscious person how a constantly changing shape and the size of the bizarrely irregular outlines is a bright spot surrounded by a more or less significant shadow throughout the rest of the hemispheres.

It is to this "bright spot", which can simultaneously cover different areas of the cortex, that a clearer awareness of what affects us from the outside and causes this increased excitement, that is, the effect of concentration, corresponds.

The principle of dominant, put forward by A.A. Ukhtomsky, is also of great importance for clarifying the physiological foundations of attention. According to this principle, there is always a dominant, dominant focus of excitation in the brain. He, as it were, attracts to himself all the side excitations entering the brain, due to which he dominates over them to an even greater extent. The basis for the emergence of such a focus is not only the strength of the primary irritation, but also the internal state of the nervous system. From the psychological point of view, this is expressed in attention to some stimuli and distraction from others acting at the moment. There are people who are perseverant from birth. As established by A.A. Ukhtomsky, the focus of optimal dominant excitability is not only not weakened, but even intensified by excitation caused by the action of mild side stimuli.

As observations of the reading process show, many readers, in those minutes when they do not understand the text or are tired, involuntarily shift their gaze to a distracting object, for example, a picture hanging on the wall, look out the window or listen to extraneous quiet sounds. This instantaneous distraction creates some relaxation in intense mental work. Distracting focus promotes subsequent focus on the desired subject. But this only happens if extraneous stimuli do not cause a complete switch of attention (for example, loud noise, loud speech, the appearance of a thunderstorm with thunder and lightning) or lethargy and drowsiness (rhythmically, monotonously acting weak stimuli for a long time).

The correct organization of attention is of great importance for a person's mental activity. What role it plays in the learning process can be learned, for example, by considering various ways of organizing attention when taking notes on the teacher's speech directly while listening to it in class.

In fig. 32 shows three ways of organizing attention in the classroom. Perception can be structured in such a way that almost all attention will be paid to the taking of the notes.

Rice. 32. Three ways of organizing attention

Basically, RAM works here, and the recording goes almost under dictation. When checking, it turns out that the student did not understand a lot. You can also assimilate the material in such a way that 50% of the attention will be paid to drawing up notes, 50% to listening to new material without recording. This is a very common form. And finally, the third option. It was implemented in one of the experiments carried out in Moscow. The audition was not recorded. One hundred percent attention was focused only on understanding. Here, after the presentation of the material, the first stage of understanding is reached, very vague questions arise (arrows indicate an appeal to the teacher), then the incomprehensible material is repeated, more questions, then the desire to write down arises. After a while, questions are asked again, and, finally, assimilation. The result of such work is the recording of what was learned in the "language of one's own thoughts."

This algorithmic scheme turned out to be the most productive. Obviously, it is advisable to adhere to it even when studying the educational material on your own.

Three kinds of attention

Attention is of three types: involuntary, voluntary and post-voluntary.

Involuntary attention is characterized by the fact that the directed and concentration of mental activity is of an involuntary nature, that is, the goal is not to be attentive. Involuntary attention arises by itself when the acting stimuli are clearly different from the general monotonous "gray" background, or when the object-stimulus is interesting and entertaining. For example, involuntary attention is triggered by a loud siren signal on the street, a colorful advertisement, an interesting story, or an action-packed book. Another example: a flock of frolicking dolphins appears overboard a ship in the open sea. The sailor on watch can retell in detail the trajectories of the dolphins' jumping out of the water, although observing them was not part of his duties. His attention involuntarily fixed unusual facts.

Arbitrary attention is motivated and directed to the object under the influence of the decisions made and the goals set. It is the result of our intention, the purposeful effort of the will. Voluntary attention is qualitatively different from involuntary, which does not prevent it, however, from being closely connected with our feelings, interests and previous experience. But if interests with involuntary attention are intuitive-direct, then with arbitrary they are mainly mediated. This is the interest of the goal, the interest of the subsequent result of the activity. The activity itself may not interest us, but since its implementation is necessary for solving the task at hand, it often becomes exciting.

Post-voluntary attention is also purposeful, but does not require constant volitional efforts to implement. For example, sometimes, when reading, it is difficult to keep attention on the content: it is difficult, boring and not even particularly important to us. But at some point, imperceptibly for ourselves, we stop making an effort on ourselves, read without tension, and the subject of reading captivates us. Attention from voluntary to post-voluntary. It follows from what has been said that the usual process of reading is accompanied by constant fluctuations in attention, which largely determine the pace and quality of reading. When reading a text, involuntary attention depends mainly on the author, his skill, and voluntary attention depends on the reader himself. Thus, attention predetermines the psychological activity of the reader - his mood and readiness. At the same time, it strongly affects the comprehension of the text, and the accuracy and depth of assimilation of the content. When reading, it is very important not only to direct attention, but also to maintain it for a long time.

A high degree of concentration of attention is called concentration. The success of fast reading depends on concentration of attention. Relative silence and lack of distractions contribute to it. The productivity of attention is determined by the general state of a person, his emotional mood: if he is tired or upset about something, it is difficult for him to achieve a good concentration of attention. Therefore, it is recommended to read with a fresh mind and in a good mood, and if this is not possible, then after a little rest. You need to be able to alternate activities: reading, rest, writing, etc. Finally, attention also depends on the content of the book, article, educational text. If they are incomprehensible to the reader, attention falls.

Involuntary distraction of attention from an overly light text is also undesirable. It must be remembered that any text as an object of perception is characterized by two sides: content and form. Each of these parties can be the object of attention. Research conducted by psychologists has shown that attention should be considered as a separate form of mental activity. Hence it follows that concentration, like any other action, must be specially taught.

A special place in reading belongs to the so-called visual attention. It is based on the phenomenon of a pulsating operational field of view, which coincides mainly with the zone of clear vision. A characteristic feature of the operational field of view is the extraordinary mobility of its boundaries. Most often, it takes the size and configuration of the object perceived at the moment. You can imagine the operational field of view in the form of a situation when a searchlight beam seems to rummage over a page of text. Such a beam not only moves across the page at the same time as the movement of the eyes, but also changes the size of the light spot illuminating the text.

The ability to expand the size of the light spot of text perception is perhaps the most important characteristic of the visual attention of a person who can read quickly. And different clarity or different degrees of awareness of the content that the gaze is directed at at a given moment is expressed by the intensity of visual attention. If we continue the analogy with a spotlight, then this "property is similar to the degree of brightness of a spot of a spotlight. During reading, such a spot not only moves along the page of text, changing its size, shape, but also changes in brightness, then intensifying, then weakening, sometimes extinguishing altogether. Then comes the state of mental blindness, or the unseeing gaze, in which attention seems to be extinguished.

It follows from this that when reading, one must be able to arbitrarily control attention with the help of special techniques and volitional efforts. This is the main thing when training attention - the most important parameter of mental activity. Attention is a kind of catalyst for the reading process. Reading efficiency largely depends on how much the reader is able to control his attention. It determines the pace of reading: both a very high and slow reading pace tires, contributes to a decrease in attention.

Reading with involuntary attention is most effective. When mastering the method of rapid reading, it is necessary first of all to learn how to control voluntary attention, and then to form post-voluntary from stable voluntary.

The main reasons for inattention

Many schoolchildren often complain of absent-mindedness: "I did not pay attention", "I disconnected and did not hear." Most people treat their carelessness and absent-mindedness quite condescendingly, without attaching serious importance to it.

But in school you know the high "cost" of such absent-mindedness. "I ran my eyes" - and now I have to re-read my homework for the second time, again wasting time. And if you missed an important place in the textbook or was late for classes, missed the teacher's explanations of a complex theorem, for example, then this often greatly complicates life. Absent-mindedness can be divided into real and imaginary. They are based on the uneven development of individual properties of attention. The fact is that the various properties of attention - volume, distribution, switchability, stability are largely independent of each other. Attention, good in one respect, can have a number of disadvantages in another. Genuine absent-mindedness is characterized by high switchability and low attention span.

The imaginary absent-mindedness is sometimes called "professorial". Outwardly, it may be similar to the first type: a person does not immediately answer the question posed, he ignores it, does not pay attention to people, to what is happening around. However, its internal mechanisms are completely different than in the first case. If true absent-mindedness is the result of strong switchability and weak concentration, then imaginary absent-mindedness, on the contrary, is associated with excessive concentration on one's thoughts, feelings, experiences in combination with low switchability to other objects, thoughts, feelings.

The presence of two opposite types of absent-mindedness proves that completely different psychological factors can be hidden behind outwardly similar manifestations in human behavior.

It can sometimes be difficult to determine which particular attribute of attention is responsible for academic success. When your friend is spoken of as an attentive person, they do not mean a separate property, but an integral characteristic of his personality.

Exercise 6.1. Development of peripheral vision

6.1.1. Rules for working with Schulte tables.

1. For training use all 8 tables.

2. It is necessary to find numbers by silent counting, that is, silently, in ascending order from 1 to 25 (without a gap). Go through all 8 tables in turn in any order. The numbers found are indicated only with a glance; for this, both hands hold the table in a slightly tilted position. As a result of such training, the time for reading one table should be no more than 25 seconds.

3. Before starting work with the table, the gaze is fixed in its center in order to see the whole table (remember the exercise with the green dot and the recommendations above).

4. When searching for consecutive digits, it is allowed to fix the eyes only in the center of the table. Horizontal eye movements are prohibited. The distance from the table to the eyes is the same as when reading ordinary text, that is, approximately 25-30 cm.

5. Set the time and frequency of training yourself, remembering that you should not overwork.

6.1.2. Training with Schulte tables. You should work with a set of Schulte tables on a daily basis in accordance with the stated rules. Achieve reading of any table in no more than 25 seconds.

6.1.3. Exercise "Contemplation of the green point." As shown in the second conversation (p. 24), this exercise also effectively solves the problem of expanding the field of view. Unlike Schulte tables, it is static. It is in the combination of dynamic training with Schulte tables and static contemplation of the green dot that the secret of success in training the visual analyzer lies. If you have been doing this exercise carefully throughout the entire time, then today, observing the green dot, you can clearly see almost the entire page “at certain moments of clear consciousness”. We strongly recommend that you pay more attention to the "Contemplation of the green dot" exercise during the training period with the Schulte tables. Analyze your progress. Read again the section of the second conversation (p. 24). Only a harmonious combination of both exercises will help to solve the main task of this stage of training: the development of the peripheral visual field.

Rice. 29. Number pyramid to expand the field of view

A numerical pyramid consists of two rows of random two-digit numbers evenly diverging from top to bottom and a row of consecutive numbers (from 1 to 12) located in the middle. The axial center numbers guide you through the exercise. The workout is that. fixing the gaze on the numbers of the central line from the gaze, it is necessary to simultaneously recognize the numbers located in the diverging row.

6.1.4. Reading one newspaper daily with vertical eye movements. You already have a wide field of vision. There is no need to slide your eyes over every line of text. You can see everything and understand the text well. Read bolder. You will definitely succeed.

6.1.5. Exercise using the number pyramid (fig. 29).

Exercise 6.2. Gymnastics for the eyes

In the process of your studies at school, the main load falls on the visual system. How to keep your eyesight? Here we recommend you exercises developed for high school students by scientists from the Moscow Research Institute of Eye Diseases. Helmholia under the guidance of Professor E. S. Avetisov.

6.2.1. Five golden rules of vision hygiene:

Rule 1. Watch TV as little as possible.

Rule 4. As much dynamic physical activity as possible for general strengthening of the body and activation of its functions. For vision, playing sports that develop peripheral vision are preferable: football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, etc.

Rule 5. Constantly monitor and strengthen your vision with exercise. Visit a doctor once a year, check your eyesight.

6.2.2. Exercises to prevent visual fatigue and myopia.

The proposed set of exercises, developed by Professor E. S. Avetisov, is recommended to perform 2-3 minutes. at school in the middle of each lesson under the guidance of a teacher. At home, you can do these exercises yourself in the middle of your homework to relieve eye fatigue.

All exercises are performed while sitting at a desk or desk.

1. Lean back on the back of the desk. Take a deep breath. Lean forward to the lid of the desk or table - exhale. Repeat 5-6 times.

2. Lean back on the back of the desk, close your eyelids tightly, as soon as you can close your eyes, open your eyes. Repeat 5-6 times.

3. Put your hands on your belt. Turn your head to the right, look at the elbow of your right hand. Turn your head to the left, look at the elbow of your left hand, Return to starting position. Repeat 5-6 times.

4. Raise your eyes up, make them circular movements in the chapels arrow, then make your eyes circular movements counterclockwise. Repeat 5-6 times.

5. Stretch your arms forward, look at the fingertips, raise your arms up, take a breath, follow your hands with your eyes, without raising your head, lower your hands, exhale. Repeat 4-5 times.

6. Look straight ahead at the chalkboard for 2-3 sec. (at home on your mind's eye screen); then look at the tip of the nose for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 6-8 times.

7. Close the eyelids. Within 30 sec. massage them with the tips of your index fingers.

Analyzing the elements of the fast reading technique, we found ourselves almost half way to mastering the new reading technique. We learn more and more deeply the features of the reading process itself.

But before we continue with the exercises, let's take a look at what we can do today by mastering the six quick-reading conversations.

First, you’ve learned the first rule of fast reading technique — read without regressions. When reading any text, your eyes only move forward.

Second, you always read using the integral reading algorithm. When you finish reading the text, you see, imagine seven blocks of the algorithm and check their completion.

Third, at the end of the reading, a dominant is formed - the main semantic part of the text. Concisely and accurately you can express the main thoughts, ideas of the author.

Fourth, you read without articulation. Information is processed only visually without speaking.

Fifth, you have a wide field of view. You can see almost the entire page in the Contemplating Green Point exercise. You only read narrow newspaper columns with a vertical movement of your eyes.

The listed techniques of the fast reading technique, which you already know, form the basis of the technique. They are the main components of the seven golden rules for fast reading, which will be discussed in the final conversation. So, you already know a lot. What's next? You've probably tried to read not only newspaper articles, but also books with a vertical movement of your eyes, and failed. If you haven't already, try turning two pages of the book back and reading, trying to keep your eyes straight. Despite the fact that the text is already familiar to you, there was still no reading as such. What is the reason? Although you have all the possibilities for vertical reading, psychologically you are not yet ready for it. This task is performed by a new exercise, which we call the "method of assault".

Storming is overcoming your inertia, eradicating your habits. The results of experiments that were carried out in the laboratory of the processes of visual perception of the Institute of Psychology of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR convinced us of the possibility of reading the text with a vertical movement of the eyes. We studied the movement of the eyes of subjects previously trained in rapid reading.