To read a journal article strategically: 
- Evaluate the journal title
- The journal title will indicate the scope and boundaries the article is working within
- Read the title of the article and the abstract
- The title and abstract will present the main argument, highlight evidence to be used, and the primary conclusions drawn by the author.
- Look over the introduction section
- The introduction will demonstrate the framework the author will use in the article and their intended outcomes.
- Read the discussion section and the conclusion
- This is where you will find the "why you should care" of the article.
- Go back and browse other sections
- Return for details in areas you'd like to know more or to clarify your understanding
Pay attention to who the author cites as those writers/thinkers are who the author is in dialogue with. This will help you determine what perspective the author is approaching the material from, as well as help you identify further reading on the topic.
Make note of images and data visualizations and how they relate to the discussion section and conclusion of the article.