Document Organization
- Understanding the organization or structure of a document is an important
component of navigating through materials. When we understand how something
is constructed, we can better understand how to use the document.
- The author uses structure to guide the reader.
- In documents we need to look for and use features such as: the introduction
(preface, forward), table of contents, titles, sub-titles, headings,
lists, tables and figures, summaries, schedules, appendixes, indexes,
dividers.
- Within a document, information given on a page could be divided into
sections that make it easier for the reader to find what they are looking
for. These sections can be given titles or headings and sub-headings
that may be in bold or underlined. Numbered or bulleted lists may also
be included.
Documents need not be intimidating. We are always more comfortable
with things that we know. Take the time to skim through documents that
you have to use.
Process - Teaching Navigation
- Analyze documents.
- Organization
- Plain Language
- Analyze Learner/Reader Needs.
- Language Issues
- Literacy Issues
- Long time since other training
- Degree of familiarity with documents
- Develop a strategy for familiarizing learner/ reader with document.
- For practice exercises use:
- Supported
- Semi-supported
- Unsupported practice
- Teach reading graphics
- Teach navigation process:
- Understand document organization
- Skim for general impression (see next page)
- Outline questions to be answered
- Identify key words
- Make predictions as to location
- Scan to locate information – key words (see next page)
- Synthesize/summarize information
- Identify what’s missing
- Confirm
- Teach/review reading techniques (see next page)
- Develop extra learning plans for identified learners.
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