Academic Resource Center Study Skills: Textbook Reading

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Academic Resource CenterStudy Skills Textbook
Reading
Contact Angie S. Pickens, MA University of North
Alabama Coordinator, Academic Resource
Center aspickens_at_una.edu
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You pay a lot of for
your textbooks, so try to follow these
strategies to get the most out of them. The more
you know, the better your grades will be!
Hi-Lighting and taking notes are always
helpful.RememberREAD TO LEARN
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Vary your studying activities. In other words do
not try to read in your textbook for hours at a
time. Mix it up some! Read for a while then
switch to another activity such as working on an
English paper or completing a Chemistry lab
report.
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First Things First

• Minimize your distractions-find an environment
  where you can read
• Try to read at times when you are not tired or
  distracted with other thingseither internally or
  externally
• Read the most difficult material FIRST
• Reward yourself after you read
• Take notes about what you are reading
• Hi-light key terms or ideas

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Try To

• Understand what you are reading. If you do not
  know a meaning of a word or a concept--STOP-- and
  find out before you continue or you may not
  understand what follows.
• Ask yourself questions as you read. For example
  What is the author trying to tell me?
• Ask yourself WHAT, HOW, WHY? Getting
  these answers while you read will result in more
  active reading.
• Connect the sub-headings to the broader headings.

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S-Q-3R Method
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S-Q-3R Method(Survey, Question, Read, Recite,
Review/Reflect)

• Survey-glance over the title, headings, and
  sub-headings to see what the chapter is about.
  If there are introductory and summary paragraphs,
  read those also. Glance over pictures, charts,
  graphs or maps. This survey should take 2-5
  minutes. This allows you to get the big picture.

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S-Q-3R Method (continued)

• Question-Make each title, heading, and
  sub-heading into questions. This will increase
  your comprehension. Read the questions at the
  end of the chapter. Ask yourself What do I
  already know about this material/subject?

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S-Q-3R Method (continued)

• Read-Read carefully so you are able to answer the
  questions you just asked yourself. Notice all
  bold or italicized words. Slow your reading speed
  for more difficult material. Reread the captions
  under pictures, graphs, charts, and maps. Reread
  parts you are not sure about or do not
  understand.

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S-Q-3R Method (continued)

• Recite-Look away from your textbook and try to
  recite the answers to your questions. Try to
  mentally visualize what you have read. If you can
  do this, then you know what you have just read!
  Take notes on the important points from what you
  have just read.

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S-Q-3R Method (continued)

• Review/Reflect-After you have read the material,
  look over your notes of the main points check
  your memory. You can do this by covering up your
  notes recalling the main points. If you are
  unable to do this, reread that particular
  section. Make flash cards for the questions
  which were difficult. Use a memory strategy that
  works for you. (these can be reviewed in the
  presentation titled Concentration Memory
  (click here for info. about Flash Cards) Relate
  what you have read to your class lectures.

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Using Flash Cards

• Carry some blank ones with you (3x5 are a good
  size)
• Good for vocabulary words, math formulas,
  historical facts
• Color code them as well group like terms
  together. Think of a characteristic that
  distinguishes one from another and remember that
  color.
• Draw a picture or cut out one and glue it to the
  card. Good for visual learners.
• Carry them with you so you can study in spare
  time. Even short increments are better than none.
  Example waiting for class to start or stopping
  at a red light.
• Shuffle the cards after each time you go through
  them.( keeps you from memorizing the order)
• (Biggest mistake Putting too much info. on the
  card)

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Use the Glossary Graphic Aids

• Glossaries are a helpful tool---especially when
  you are trying to understand newly introduced
  terms or concepts. Using the glossary will also
  help you figure out the context in which the
  author has written the material.
• Graphic Aids may be a better way to explain
  examples. Some students may be visual learners
  graphic aids can help tremendously.

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• Participate in a study group if one is
  available. Sometimes discussions with other
  students can help clarify your textbook reading.