Ask HN: Reading issues, forgetting previous paragraph, does it happen to you?

When I was younger I got into speed reading and some of the literature on that would claim that reading faster could actually increase recall as reading slowly could lead to the previous sentence being "purged" from short-time memory as you're reading the next one. Not sure if there's any scientific evidence for that, but maybe try increasing your reading speed a bit?

Because I read a lot, I don't expect to remember most of what I read.

What sticks sticks, what doesn't doesn't.

Some of what sticks doesn't feel like it stuck, only to be recalled later in a distant context or if I am lucky a relevant one.

And some of what sticks sticks as misunderstanding only to be later revealed as such...hopefully not in an irrevocable critical decision.

I don't expect to understand everything I read when I read about something where basic competence requires adult years of study and practice and here I am maybe spending a few hours.

Usually I learn something when I read. I don't expect to learn everything.

Anyway, the way I deal with it is by reading more, not reading deeper (except for hardware manuals -- that's just the nature of hardware manuals).

Good luck.

Are you reading digitally or on paper? I’ve found that I’m much better at reading deeply on paper. Even e-ink seems less effective.

Try active reading [0]:

  - Examine purpose of assignment before reading. 
  - Alter reading speed based on significance and difficulty of passage. 
  - Preview text by skimming headings/topics/keywords. 
  - Read with questions in mind (i.e forcing your mind to hunt for answers). 
  - Stop to evaluate your understanding as you read. 
  - Annotate while you read. 
  - Make time to evaluate what you have read. 
  - Track the word you're reading with your finger.

[0] https://owl.excelsior.edu/orc/introduction/active-reading/

Might be f'd short-term memory. Physical activity and omega3s may help in such case and maybe a doctor visit if it doesn't.

S.M.A.S.H. (sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon, herring) are rich in Omegas 3 and naturally have low levels of toxins and mercury.

You have to make it interactive and use multiple sources.. Just recently I was reading about prevailing winds in the Atlantic and I searched global maps to visually recognize them, sailors accounts, yachting world magazine articles on them, etc. And after a bunch of this I learned the subject pretty well. Alternatively, If you're learning a tech subject you can build a mini project or look at both code and the text or look at other articles.

Just reading paragraph after paragraph is dry as shit and no way to learn.

What time of day and how complex is the material? I can only read certain types of things at certain times of day. More complex in the morning, medium complexity throughout the day, easy/light novel before bed.

I usually just read it out loud if I need to remember it. Makes it more of an active, intentional process.

This is also good for writing from my experience.

Yes, whole pages even, from fiction to non-fiction. Sometimes it's the material, sometimes the setting, sometimes it's just not my day. Mostly I go back and reread the section, sometimes more than once. If it keeps happening though, I put the material down and come back to it later. Forcing myself through usually doesn't work.

That said, if it's a reoccurring problem that's negatively affecting your life, don't hesitate to seek care. The cost/benefit for these kinds of problems is often greater than thinks. Good luck!

In case you did not suffer from this in the past, go see a doctor.

I would highly recommend learning the slip box method.

See the book: How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens

This has helped me a lot. https://www.usu.edu/academic-support/files/SQ4R_Reading_Syst...

>“I Can’t Remember What I Read!”

>The SQ4R reading system is designed to help you study your textbook and apply reading and note- taking skills. The letters in SQ4R stand for five steps: survey, question, read, reflect, recite, and review. These steps will help you gain more from what you read and be better prepared for quizzes and exams. In other words, you will maximize the return on your time investment for reading!

Yeah. I either have to read it out loud or listen to an audio book version. I don't know why but it works for me.

Visualize what you read. Engaging with material helps avoided the problem of your eyes and mind just superficially passing over the words.

It happens if I'm tired or if I'm very relaxed and my mind wanders, I go back and reread the section when I notice, and if it keeps happening, I put the book down and come back to it later.