FAQ
"Why shall I read texts faster? What is fast reading good for?"
The decisive statement of the ProRead training is: Fast reading is no end in itself, but the precondition for a qualitatively improved reading process. Avoiding read errors which influence your understanding (especially caused by an insufficient viewing direction) inevitably results to a rise of the reading speed.
"How fast can I learn how to read?"
The eye only perceives up to 6 new images per second. This limit represents the iconic memory - the sensoric storage on the retina. The photoreceptor cells receive the incoming light and transform it into electric pulses that are transferred to the brain via visual nerves. The photoreceptors are only able to release the necessary chemistry 6 times per second.
Besides, the muscles that move the eye can only change their position up to 6 times per second.
If we talk about "chunking" - the perception of words in sense groups - this happens with very experienced readers with up to 6 words per chunk.
This results to an upper limit of the reading speed with
- 6 words per fixation (chunk), multiplied by
- 6 fixations per second, multiplied by
- 60 seconds per minute, which amounts to 2160 wpm (words per minute).
During our training you will learn how to read with 3x3x60, i.e. 540 wpm on average, whereas the comprehension increases. Providers of other kinds of reading workshops promising more than 2000 wpm should no be taken seriously. Concerning other providers you should also scrutinize the achievable increase of comprehension and if these providers can present any academically reviewed results.
"Will I be able to read texts twice as fast at the end of the course?"
No. The ProRead course is neither targeted to read all kinds of texts compulsively faster, nor shall one individual reading technique be constantly applied for all texts. The training is not about speed reading, but rather about a larger variety and scope of possible techniques and speed. Most readers only vary their reading speed between 150 and 300 words per minute. During our training you will also learn to develop noticeably higher areas – depending on the text and the interests. The techniques used therefore are common property of the reading research and are, in similar ways, recommended in many other reading courses.
Very difficult texts need, and poems and fiction usually want to be read more slowly and our course does not intend to change these fundamental reading experiences. On the contrary, in case of simple or moderate non-fictional texts a doubled or tripled reading speed facilitates concentration and comprehension.
"Are there analogies between ProRead and Speed Reading (SpeedReading), Photo Reading (Photoreading), Surface Reading and other speed reading techniques?"
The ProRead training is restricted to a practical implementation of fundamental scientific cognitions dealing with "reading efficiency", that are highly recommended. This concerns especially the optimization of the viewing processes and the accelerated, target-oriented processing of sense signals. The training does not aim to communicate a preferably large amount of theoretical knowledge about reading techniques. The course is rather targeted on the consequent practice and automatization of fewer basic techniques that lead to a noticeable and immediate success for all participants.
For a comparison of ProRead training with other providers of reading courses see the article in "e-fellows" from February 2006 (in German).
"What enables the good course results?"
Pro Read communicates the kind of techniques that good readers use "by nature". The success of the course is primarily based on the fact that these techniques are immediately implemented into practice and intensively exercised. During the first part of the course the physical training of the eyes and the increase of reading speed are in the foreground. Subsequently, the comprehension is consolidated, and flexible reading strategies are developed. Depending on the text and the reading goal, these strategies enable a different intensity and speed.
"Is there any guarantee of success?"
Without exception, the course enables a significant improvement of the reading performance. Most participants double their reading speed and improve their comprehension. These results arise primarily from the very practically-oriented training. The degree of improvement is mainly influenced by the commitment and motivation of the participants. Although the internalization of the new reading techniques is mainly gained during the course, the long-term reading level also depends on the willingness to do smaller repetitions. After the course we are going to support this process systematically. If you visit one of our non-paid follow-up meetings and recognize that you still are not satisfied with your reading performance, you can repeat the course for free.
"Are two course days sufficient or are follow-up trainings necessary?"
For all participants, the compact practical training of our crash course (12 hours) leads to a significant improvement of the reading skills. In general, at the end of the course the changed viewing and perception processes are already highly automated. If you read your own texts following the course, you are automatically deepening this process.
At the end of the course the reading improvement shall not be considered as "finished".
Our recommendation: You should repeat and intensify the course contents for 10 minutes every day within the first two weeks after the course. We support this deepening process (if required) through a compact training via e-mail, we will regularly remind you of individual course aspects (also via e-mail), and we offer follow-up trainings in Berlin and Frankfurt/Main (for free). Furthermore, each participant has the possibility to repeat the course after attending a follow-up training for free. However, this will only be necessary in exceptional cases. After the training we are also offering discussions and correspondence to eliminate obscurities or difficulties.
Our experiences have shown that the results of additional tests several months after the course are still slightly increased for 40 % of all participants due to an automatization. For all other participants the results are a bit lower, but still far above the first results. The improvement options are unlimited. If required, you can further improve your reading competency through systematic use of the techniques and offers provided by us.
"Are the techniques communicated in the course also suitable for difficult specialized texts?"
Due to didactic reasons, during the course simple to moderate texts are used. The use of difficult texts would unnecessarily hamper new reading techniques and would also require segmentation according to diverse focuses of interest, which is hardly manageable during a group training. However, our communicated reading techniques can likewise be used for difficult and simple texts. The same applies to the topics of the course: memory, concentration and learning psychology.
Even in case of complex legal or technical specialized texts not every single word needs to be conceived separately and the frequent return within one line constrains the reading speed and comprehension. Although our habits to subvocalize, to return and to read word by word are higher for difficult texts than for simple ones, it is only a question of exercise and adaptation to reach an improved reading performance. Even an increase of 25 % saves 14 working days per year (if you spend two hours for reading every day).
Anyway, we do not recommend you to read technical literature after the course with double or triple speed. Instead, we focus on a more intensive and concentrated reading and better comprehension.
Furthermore, we recommend you to read important texts several times. In case of a repeated reading it should be easy for you to reach a sufficiently higher speed. This is due to the already gained preconception and the improved viewing processes. The flexible reading strategies communicated during the course especially facilitate the literature research and, depending on the present text, enable an ideal adaptation of the reading speed and reading intensity.
"Does the course have any disadvantageous consequences or side effects for my reading ability?"
We never experienced such a case in around 40 years of Pro Read trainings. Some experts assume that a strict avoidance of the "inner listening" can undermine the necessary reading routine. The Pro Read course is only about a reduction of this inner voice that is trained in line with individual capabilities. Some participants are actually able to visually conceive solely the printed symbols.
This is a prerequisite for reaching a very fast reading speed of more than 1000 words per minute. However, only few people possess this ability and it should not be forced. In most cases, even a reading speed of 400 to 500 words per minute means a doubling of speed. However, it still enables the "inner listening" of most of the read text.
"Which quality standards do your trainers possess?"
All trainers are experienced with the education of adults, they attended the course as participants and observers, and they were familiarized with the special tasks of the course during a 5-day training. First courses were successfully completed in cooperation with an experienced trainer until they were qualified for an independent training.
The systematic exchange of experiences of our trainer teams enables the constant enhancements of methodic and didactic aspects of the course. A detailed trainer guide guarantees the fulfillment of the course goals regarding procedure, method and content. All courses are continuously evaluated to assess and guarantee our high quality standards.
"Which materials do you use for the training?"
To help our participants to reach the most possible success, we use different materials and devices: An exercise book contains varied exercises and the fundamental statements for the improvement of the reading ability. Specially developed tests (protected by copyright) enable us to continually assess the improvements reached during the course.
A patented "rate controller" forces us to implement the gained experiences, and thus enables to solve wrong reading habits.
A "tachistoscope shutter" clarifies the ability of the participants to conceive texts very fast, and it motivates the participants to realize the recommended reading techniques.
Further books and documents support and intensify the reading process.
All materials and devices used for the course are provided by Improved Reading and are included in the course fee. The exercise book and the course notes remain in possession of the participants. The course fee also includes a certificate stating the achieved reading improvement.
"Is the training also suitable for participants with text blindness (dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, etc.)?"
According to our experiences all participants can significantly improve their reading performance. However, the degree of improvement can vary. If a participant has unexpected difficulties due to severe eye or speech problems, dyslexia, etc., he/she can cancel the training and the course fee will be refunded.
"From which age does this training make sense?"
Participants should already possess some reading experiences. This is usually the case, if participants are 15 years and older.
"Which language skills are required to participate in the training?"
The course can be taught in the original English version and in an adapted German version. Basically, we recommend the English course in cases where a fast and understanding reading of English texts is important. A good school English is sufficient to understand and apply the significant elements of improved reading.
If your English knowledge is not that good, we even notice a disproportionately increase of the reading efficiency, since the usual blockades during the exercise of new techniques are reduced due to the unknown vocabulary. On the other hand, the better the comprehension, the larger is the attractiveness of the reading exercises.
"Why is this course that expensive?"
For decades, Pro Read is a well-proven concept that is offered worldwide. This generates a success guarantee, which is not for free. Since Pro Read is a private seminar provider and is not state-subsidized, our course fees cannot be compared to those of university offers (language courses, college sports and others). The list of expense items is long: Material, licensing fees, trainer fees, room rent, transport, information material and events, distribution of flyers and posters, further development of the course content, administration and coordination.
The duplication of reading speed reached by most participants (95 %) provides students and employees a huge saving in time that justifies the course fee in the long term.
If you have paid the course fee once, you may attend the course as often as you like until you reach a (long-term) significant improvement of your reading ability (see above). As a general rule, it is sufficient to attend the course once only. Thus, there is practically no risk.