Today's students are rarely taught the skills to help them with the most complex textbooks in college. As a result, students end up adopting counterproductive methods when studying these books. This article will help you clarify a method for students to simplify and learn even the most dense material. In fact, if you follow all the steps, this study method will save you time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Optimize your reading
Step 1. Read the textbook introduction first
If it is a book that deals with a detailed perspective on a particular topic, the introduction will summarize the author's argument and present a general outline of the book. If the textbook is a general introductory text, for example, an introduction to Latin American democracy or the principles of microeconomics, the introduction will serve to tell you the method the author will adopt in dealing with the subject.
Step 2. Analyze the organization of the textbook
First, look at the index of the book. Look at their organization. This could help you predict what will be seen in class and what will come on tests. Then, analyze the organization of each chapter. Most textbook authors use a detailed sequence of the most important titles and subtitles they plan to cover in each chapter of the book.
Step 3. First, go to the end
Many textbooks have a summary of the chapter content and study or reflection questions at the end of each chapter. Skipping to this part first, before reading the entire chapter, will help you know what to focus on as you read the chapter.
Step 4. Create questions based on your analysis
See if the titles and subtitles give you clues to possible questions. For example, a section titled Causes of Alcoholism in a psychology textbook could easily become a quiz question: What are the causes of alcoholism?
As you read, look for the answers to those questions. If you can't find what you're looking for, change your question
Step 5. Read aloud
You may find it easier to understand and assimilate the textbook if you read aloud. Reading aloud can help you not get lost, especially if the prose is very complex.
Step 6. Have a distraction-free environment to read
Put your cell phone away, don't sit in front of a computer and don't let them interrupt you. Sometimes we think that we can do several things at the same time and study without concentrating as much as possible. But if you are going to study a course seriously, you have to give it your full attention. If you focus, you will be rewarded.
Step 7. Take a break after each chapter
Take a 10-minute walk or treat yourself to some entertainment. You will not study well if you are exhausted. Approach each chapter with a clear mind.
Part 2 of 3: Studying the Textbook
Step 1. Employ optimization techniques first
This will help you preview the textbook so that you can approach the reading with an idea of its structure and main points. Keep the questions at the end of the chapter in mind, for example, as you read.
Step 2. Read the entire chapter
In this first reading, don't take notes or anything, just read. There are two goals to do so. The first is to get an idea of the purpose of the chapter. Ask yourself: what is the author trying to convey in the overall chapter? How does the author put together the information or argument in the chapter? When you have a mental picture of these two questions, you can start taking notes that will benefit you when you have to study for exams and research papers.
Don't rush this step! It might be tempting to read as fast as possible, but chances are you won't retain the information if you decide to read that way
Step 3. Take notes from your reading
To take notes, you don't have to jot down everything word for word. The art of note-taking involves discerning what is important and interesting in material rather than just copying text.
- The first thing you should write is the main point or argument that the author conveys in the chapter. Do it in no more than 3 sentences. Then ask yourself how the author begins to make his point. This is where the most important titles and subtitles will help you. Below each title are paragraphs that make up the chapter section. Write the introductory sentences that help make the argument in the section and chapter.
- Don't be afraid to write in your book. Marking a textbook with notes, comments, and questions in the margins near pertinent information can be of great value when studying.
- Write your textbook notes by hand. Writing the notes by hand will force your mind to assimilate the material instead of just scribbling it or typing the same text on the computer without thinking.
Step 4. Make a list of concepts and terms
Recheck the chapter and make a list of the most important and key theoretical concepts and properties to understand the technical elements of the chapter. Also make a list of key terminology with corresponding definitions. Often times this information is printed in bold, italic, boxed, or some other conspicuous method is used.
Step 5. Make a study guide from your notes
Begin by summarizing the chapter and its main points in your own words. So you will know what you need to know. Ask yourself questions about the text and the notes you took: What question does this information answer? and How is this information related to other things? they are good places to start.
Part 3 of 3: Understand Some Common Mistakes
Step 1. You must understand that you do not have to read word for word
This is a very common myth that students believe. Particularly if you read slowly, it may be more effective to read the beginning and end of each chapter, along with the isolated information (that which is inside boxes, graphics or other striking elements of the page) and all the text in bold or in italics.
Step 2. Plan to read more than once
Another common mistake among students is that they read the textbook once and never do it again. A better strategy is to practice staggered reading.
- On your first reading, read the material above. Determine the main idea or objective of the text (usually indicated by the title or subtitles of the chapter) and mark the places that you think you have not fully understood.
- Read headings, subtitles, and other organizational elements. Textbook authors often construct their chapters so that the purpose of each section is very clear. Seize it.
- Read more in detail in your later reading.
Step 3. You must understand that reading is not the same as studying
At times, students will just run their eyes over the page over and over again feeling that they don't take in any of their "reading." Reading is an active process: you have to be dedicated, pay attention and think about what you read.
Step 4. Keep in mind that highlighting is not ideal for the first reading
While it's tempting to pull out the rainbow of highlighters when reading an entire chapter, avoid it. Studies have shown that highlighting can actually hinder reading, because you might be tempted to highlight everything you consider important without thinking critically about the ideas presented.
If you need to highlight, wait until you complete your first reading and use the highlighter sparingly to highlight only the most important ideas
Step 5. Keep in mind that you may have to look up some meanings as you read
It can be tempting to skip over words or items you don't understand just to finish quickly, but it could actually hurt your understanding. If a complex textbook on Marxist economics has terms that you don't understand at first, don't read long: stop reading, find the meaning, and understand it before continuing.
Advice
- Give yourself time to do it. Don't expect to understand 10 chapters of microeconomics or human anatomy the night before your exam. Set realistic goals and expectations for your study plan.
- If you are marking your textbook, do so by underlining important passages. This technique will force you at least to assimilate the material and not just to color the text without thinking.