College 101 - 3 of 8: How to Read Textbooks

Reading textbooks is very different from reading for pleasure.  Your goal in academic reading is to understand and remember the information in the textbook, relate it to what is happening in class and combine all the information from various sources for the exam.  This changes how you approach the text.   I like to break the strategies into three steps: before you start to read, while you are reading, and after you are done.

Before reading:

• Preview the assignment – what aids has the author provided (headings, bold print words, Learning Objectives, definitions, pictures, charts, etc.).   Take a look at these before reading so you have an idea about the information you will be reading.
• Know your purpose for reading – general background information in preparation for class, material will be on exam but professor will not cover in class, to prepare for a class discussion, etc.?
• Check the length and time you have to read, and estimate how many pages you will be able to read.  It is better to read logical sections in two or more sessions than to race through with no retention or understanding.
• If the material is very dense with little help, skim first and then read in depth.

While reading:

• Monitor your comprehension and reread if necessary.
• Actively think about the overall organization of the material, how it all fits together and how it fits in with the class lectures, etc.
• Consider forming questions from the subheadings and then read to find the answers.  You can do the same if there are Learning Objectives.  Turn them into questions and read to answer them.
• Take notes in the margins or separate notes.
• Pause periodically and review what you have read.  Try to restate the information in your own words.  If you can, move ahead.  If not, reread.

After you are done:

• Take a few minutes to go back and review what you have read.  This will make a very big difference in your retention of the material.
• If you need to know the information in depth, make a study guide or study cards.
• Take advantage of any quizzes, review questions or online quizzes available.  Look up any answers you do not know.

Blog #4 in this series will look at how learning happens.  What are the ingredients to successful learning?

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