Reading Comprehension

SPC Christopher Smith — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 11:34:11 -0400

I have noticed a trend in the lack of reading comprehension in forums and debates. How do we address this in order to better stay on target with professional debates, that don't turn personal because people are skimming responses, and not fully reading before putting forth a proper and valid response?

Response by Cpl Michael Strickler made Aug 10 at 2014 11:54 AM

Cpl Michael Strickler — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 11:54:53 -0400

There is no way to get past this issue. Even if people fully read what has been posted there will be times that the message does not 'transmit' fully and is misinterpreted by the reader. Some people have trouble getting what they are trying to say out there and some people will just always hear something else.

It would be nice if there was a way to vote out/ delete a response or question as a community if it doesn't make sense (or if something similar has already been posted)... i think that would work pretty well.

Response by SPC Richard White made Aug 10 at 2014 5:30 PM

SPC Richard White — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 17:30:15 -0400

There is not a whole lot that can be done regarding this issue.Our educational system has been failing for years.Also with todays high demand lack of time, people just don't have the ability to focus to concentrate for long periods of time.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Aug 11 at 2014 11:22 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 11:22:38 -0400

Part of it may be reading comprehension issues. But part of it may also be that people do not express themselves clearly. Remember, communication is a two-way street.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 9:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 21:19:30 -0400

I'm sorry. I may be coming late to the game; I read this yesterday but I couldn't get past the irony of the subject being reading comprehension but using the wrong "forth". Petty: I'm sure it could be argued, but humorous nonetheless.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 5:54 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 05:54:01 -0400

Is the issue one of reading comprehension - or just of answers that you don't like? Many people have a variety of views, some of which they bring into a discussion because it's relevant from their world view, even if it's not from yours.

Before you question their reading comprehension, are you sure that you're comprehending them correctly?

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Aug 12 at 2014 11:01 AM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 11:01:26 -0400

SPC Christopher Smith I do not think the problem is so much as comprehension, as it is, some will always pick and choose what they want to hear and see and disregard the rest.

Let me use a personal example. My wife and I have been separated for some time now. She has two college degrees and is currently working on her third. I say that to show that she does have a college level of reading comprehension.

When we have an argument, especially when it is concerning whose at fault concerning our marriage, we both tend to pick and choose what we want to believe. I can say one thing and mean it in a positive way, yet she can receive it negatively.

Many points in a debate depend on point of view. I for one have trouble conveying my thoughts in a cohesive manner at times, therefore, I am misunderstood. The previous paragraph is a good example of that.

I do not think the issue is as much about comprehension as it is perspective. This can be amplified when the subject matter is of an emotional nature.

To answer your question, the best way to address it, is to make sure you are conveying your thoughts better to prevent the accidental misunderstanding. Communication is a two way street, and regardless of how well you communicate your ideas there are always gonna be those who are stuck on a one way street.

Response by SGT Chris Birkinbine made Aug 12 at 2014 1:16 PM

SGT Chris Birkinbine — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 13:16:47 -0400

SPC Christopher Smith The problem isn't the forum, it is society. People are not taught to truly understand logic and rhetoric. The age of Facebook has conditioned people to spit their opinions out as fast as possible without reading what has been said before.

If you can find a fix for that problem, I would be truly grateful!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2017 1:15 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 13:15:28 -0400

Every communication has three views. A. What the one communicating thinks he/she said, B.what the receiver thinks it was and C. the actual words that were used. Real communication occurs only when A and B are equal.