Fast reading comprehension

The most frequent and best argument against speed reading is the lack of comprehension and retention that comes from giving our brain the task of processing a greater number of images in a very short period of time.

Therefore, once we have achieved the goal of reading quickly, we should focus all our efforts on speeding up our mind, in order to understand and retain what we have read, since there would be no point in reading very fast, if at the end we would have to reread several times to assimilate the content.

In this presentation we are going to know some elements that will help us to improve the comprehension and retention of fast readings; for this we will first explain essential aspects about the functioning of memory as key elements to understand these processes.

What is memory?

Memory is a brain function that allows us to encode, store and retrieve information from the past. It is conventionally classified according to its temporal scope into:

• Short-term memory
• Long-term memory.
• Long-term memory.

Principal characteristics of short-term memory.

It is the system where the individual stores external stimuli for a limited time of approximately 30 seconds if not reviewed.

The amount of stimuli that can be stored in short-term memory is also limited and is between 5 and 9 items, for an average value of 7 items.

Principal characteristics of long-term memory.

It can store a virtually unlimited amount of information over periods of time that can vary from a few seconds to many, many years.

In it are stored all our knowledge through images, concepts, skills, etc.

How can we get information stored in short-term memory into long-term memory?

• Frequently replaying the information stored in short-term memory.

• By establishing a relationship between information stored in the short term and information already stored in the long term.

What is working memory?

Working memory refers to the processes that enable the storage, processing, and manipulation of information that may come from external stimuli or internal representations.

Main limitations of working memory

The number of items that can be stored in working memory is very small. The storage tim