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.