Getting the most from your readings

How to get more from readings

SECTION 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 22
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7

SECTION 2
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15

SECTION 3
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21

1. First, make sure that you understand the material you are studying. Material which is meaningful to you will be better remembered than things which are unclear.
2. Second, study frequently in short periods rather than trying to learn everything all at once. (frequent repetition is better than cramming)
3. Third, restate key points in your own words. Write them out or at least say them to yourself. You will be required to do this on exams and you might as well learn how to express important concepts in your own words from the start. Expressing the main points in your own words after you read them will make it much easier to remember them later.
4. Fourth, learn to use memory cues. Develop a system for using key words and symbols to remind yourself of important details. When reading your textbook try to find a key word or phrase which symbolizes to you the main point of each paragraph. Use underlining, highlighting, margin notes, etc. to help you reconstruct all the important ideas without having to reread the entire chapter.
5. Finally, practice using the SQ3R method until it seems the natural way for you to study your reading assignments.

MARK YOUR BOOKS

WHY - You understand concepts better when you :

1. decide what's important, how ideas are related .. a process which teaches you to read analytically
2. test your understanding by putting ideas into your own words -writing them in the margin is a good idea
3. concentrate better because you read actively, not passively
4. create a review tool by using the markings and margin notes to trigger recall: before your quiz, glance at your notes to see how much you remember

WHEN - Mark your book AFTER you have read. Mark after reading a few paragraphs or a section. Do NOT mark as you read it. Only after reading can you decide what's important.

HOW - Actively- Use your margins to summarize key ideas in a few words outline a passage, write comments to yourself that make connections to the lectures or other things you have read. Find links to connect new concepts with things you already know.

Economically- underline as little as possible. Underline key phrases (subjects, verbs etc.) Only occasionally whole sentences. As a guide ask yourself "What will this page look like a month from now when I am reviewing for a test ?" If it is all highlighted or underlined, how can you tell the important points ?

Consistently - be sure that you locate all significant ideas, details etc. Numbering them may help you to remember. Use various marks (e.g., underlining, circles, brackets) consistently. For instance, you may choose to highlight key points, underline related or linking concepts, and circle all new terms. Outlining or restating important concepts in your own words in the margins may be the most useful part of this technique.

The Programs for Academic Support Services (PASS) here at Texas Tech University recommend the following SQ3R method of study to improve your reading and retention. SQ3R stands for: Survey, Question, Read Recite, and Review.

SQ3R technique

Survey
Survey the reading assignment quickly. Read the introductory and summary paragraphs. Inspect the illustrations and their titles. Check the headings and subheadings. Glance at any study questions or problems.

Question
Ask yourself questions based on the text, using the boldfaced headings. For example. "Restoration of bison" can be turned into an active questioning sentence, such as, "How did they restore bison ?"

Read
Now read the assignment, not passively, but actively, with certain definite questions in mind. Attempt to answer these questions and organize the material while you read that section (only that section).

Recite
Look away from the assignment and any notes that you may have taken, and ask yourself the questions you have already made up. If you cannot answer them without going back to the reading, you should read it again.

Review
Review each headed section (briefly) as you complete it, and again later on to keep from forgetting the material. Your understanding of it will be increased each time you review. Go back over the material several times if possible.

Now repeat the steps Q,R,R,R on each succeeding headed section. Read in this way until the entire assignment is completed. Then question yourself from the summary as well.