How to read and understand a scientific paper: a guide for non-scientists

[petronius]

4. Good suggestion. My school is a bit guilty of that I'm afraid, although we're starting

to address it. There are 'writing' course scattered all through the general education curriculum, but I've long believed that few instructors outside a couple of specific disciplines are requiring the writing, or more importantly giving serious feedback on writing effectiveness. However, it seems like disappointed feedback from employers of our graduates has caused some people to take notice.

Training on reading is basically nonexistent, outside of maybe History and Communication Studies. I discuss it with my classes a bit, and have discussions in office hours, but more often than not a student's understanding of how to use the textbook is: "So, I made flash card from all the bolded words. Is there anything else I need to do?"