How to Read a Textbook

Reading Textbooks Effectively

Introduction

• Reading a textbook is different from pleasure reading.
• Textbooks are resources organized to help you learn.

Table of Contents

• The Table of Contents is an outline of the subject you are studying.
• Familiarize yourself with it to get a sense of perspective.
• Regularly check back and re-read it when you start a new chapter or unit.

Tackling Reading Homework

• Do not read the chapter straight through.
• Follow these steps:
  1. Preread
  2. Read chapter summary materials
  3. Take notes as you read in sections
  4. Review your notes

Step 1: Preread the Chapter

• Determine chapter length.
• Read titles, section headings, and subheadings.
• Look at pictures and illustrations.
• Identify equations in boxes or other special features.
• Previewing prepares your brain.
• Think of it as creating a road map.
• Do not skip this step.

Step 2: Read Chapter Summary Materials

• Read the intro at the beginning and/or the summary at the end of the chapter.
• These summaries are dense accounts of the chapter's contents.
• Quickly read the summaries to prepare for what is in the chapter.

Step 3: Read Section by Section and Take Notes

• Do not read straight through without stopping.
• Read section by section or paragraph by paragraph.
• Avoid over-highlighting.
• Take notes instead of highlighting.
• Whittle down the essential information into a few pages of notes.
• Read with a pen in hand and take notes on each section.

Note-Taking Tips

• Turn the section heading into a question and answer it in your notes.
• Look for key ideas and put them in your own words.
• Use abbreviations.
• Pay attention to terms and definitions (box them in your notes).
• Circle special words and boldface terms.
• Use the glossary to understand new terms and write definitions in your own words.
• Mark anything you don’t understand with a question mark and come back to it later. If it remains unclear, ask for help.
• Re-read the chapter summary after finishing the reading.

Step 4: Review Your Notes

• Review notes along with class notes.
• Check your understanding.
• Answer the questions you created from the headings.
• Recite the relevant material from your notes.
• See how well your notes match your class notes.

Timing of Reading

• Read before or after the subject is covered in class, depending on the teacher's instructions.
• Some teachers introduce subjects in class before the reading assignments.
• Others prefer students to come to class prepared by the reading.

Importance of Independent Work

• Real learning happens when you are working alone.
• This is an essential part of being a great student.