Reading a College Textbook Shari K. Nelson Student Success Center University of North Dakota
What tools do I need? Pencils/pens to write in the margin
What tools do I need? Pencils/pens to write in the margin Highlighters
What tools do I need? Pencils/pens to write in the margin Highlighters Copy of assignment
What tools do I need? Pencils/pens to write in the margin Highlighters Copy of assignment Paper or computer to take notes
What tools do I need? Pencils/pens to write in the margin Highlighters Copy of assignment Paper or computer to take notes Dictionary
What are some general reading tips? Set aside time to read
What are some general reading tips? Set aside time to read Read the chapter before the lecture
What are some general reading tips? Set aside time to read Read the chapter before the lecture Break the reading into chunks
What are some general reading tips? Set aside time to read Read the chapter before the lecture Break the reading into chunks Use a reading system (presented later)
What are some general reading tips? Set aside time to read Read the chapter before the lecture Break the reading into chunks Use a reading system (presented later) Use plastic index tabs or adhesive notes
What are some general reading tips? Set aside time to read Read the chapter before the lecture Break the reading into chunks Use a reading system (presented later) Use plastic index tabs or adhesive notes Be careful when purchasing a used, highlighted book
Where and when should I read? Select the right company (or no company at all)
Where and when should I read? Select the right company (or no company at all) Select the right location
Where and when should I read? Select the right company (or no company at all) Select the right location Select a time when you are alert and focused
Where and when should I read? Select the right company (or no company at all) Select the right location Select a time when you are alert and focused Don’t let technology distract you
Reading a College Textbook
What should I do before I start reading my textbook? Know the assignment before you start
What should I do before I start reading my textbook? Know the assignment before you start Preview the chapter
What should I do before I start reading my textbook? Know the assignment before you start Preview the chapter – Table of contents
What should I do before I start reading my textbook? Know the assignment before you start Preview the chapter – Table of contents – Headings for each chapter
What should I do before I start reading my textbook? Know the assignment before you start Preview the chapter – Table of contents – Headings for each chapter – Preface
What should I do before I start reading my textbook? Know the assignment before you start Preview the chapter – Table of contents – Headings for each chapter – Preface – Index, glossary or answer keys
What should I do before I start reading my textbook? Know the assignment before you start Preview the chapter – Table of contents – Headings for each chapter – Preface – Index, glossary or answer keys – Any study aids
What should I do before I start reading my textbook? Know the assignment before you start Preview the chapter – Table of contents – Headings for each chapter – Preface – Index, glossary or answer keys – Any study aids – List of key terms
What should I do before I start reading my textbook? Know the assignment before you start Preview the chapter – Table of contents – Headings for each chapter – Preface – Index, glossary or answer keys – Any study aids – List of key terms – Sample tests
What’s the SQ3R reading/study system?SQ3R Survey Question Read Recite/Recall Review
Why should I mark my textbook? Promotes active reading
Why should I mark my textbook? Promotes active reading Condenses the material
Why should I mark my textbook? Promotes active reading Condenses the material Increases comprehension
Why should I mark my textbook? Promotes active reading Condenses the material Increases comprehension Keeps you focused
How should I mark my textbook? Read before you mark (highlight or underline)
How should I mark my textbook? Read before you mark (highlight or underline) Read one section at a time
How should I mark my textbook? Read before you mark (highlight or underline) Read one section at a time Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences
How should I mark my textbook? Read before you mark (highlight or underline) Read one section at a time Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences Make notes in the margin
How should I mark my textbook? Read before you mark (highlight or underline) Read one section at a time Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences Make notes in the margin Predict questions in the margin
How should I mark my textbook? Read before you mark (highlight or underline) Read one section at a time Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences Make notes in the margin Predict questions in the margin Use different colored highlighters
How should I mark my textbook? Read before you mark (highlight or underline) Read one section at a time Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences Make notes in the margin Predict questions in the margin Use different colored highlighters Write “Q” in the margin if you don’t understand, so you can ask someone later.
What should I mark in my textbook? Headings Subheadings Main ideas Supporting details Theories Definitions
What should I mark in my textbook? Headings Subheadings Main ideas Supporting details Theories Definitions Examples Statistics Dates People Places Events
What should I do when the reading is tough? Read it again Look for essential words Hold a mini-review Read it out loud Talk to your instructor Stand up
What should I do when the reading is tough? Read it again Look for essential words Hold a mini-review Read it out loud Talk to your instructor Stand up Find a tutor Use another text Pretend you understand, then explain it Stop reading; take a short break
How can I increase my vocabulary? Glossary
How can I increase my vocabulary? Glossary Dictionary – Read every meaning, not just the first
How can I increase my vocabulary? Glossary Dictionary – Read every meaning, not just the first Try to use the word in conversation within the next 24 hours
How can I increase my vocabulary? Glossary Dictionary – Read every meaning, not just the first Try to use the word in conversation within the next 24 hours Create vocabulary flashcards for difficult to remember words
How can I increase my vocabulary? Glossary Dictionary – Read every meaning, not just the first Try to use the word in conversation within the next 24 hours Create vocabulary flashcards for difficult to remember words Games/activities – Scattegories; crossword puzzles; word-a-day s
What about e-books? Paper vs. screen = personal preference
What about e-books? Paper vs. screen = personal preference Paper vs. screen = learning style
How should I read an e-book? Take notes
How should I read an e-book? Take notes Highlight and print out marked sections
How should I read an e-book? Take notes Highlight and print out marked sections Pace yourself (using your finger or paper)
How should I read an e-book? Take notes Highlight and print out marked sections Pace yourself (using your finger or paper) Preview the entire page before reading
How should I read an e-book? Take notes Highlight and print out marked sections Pace yourself (using your finger or paper) Preview the entire page before reading Have text read aloud to you
How should I read an e-book? Take notes Highlight and print out marked sections Pace yourself (using your finger or paper) Preview the entire page before reading Have text read aloud to you Work to avoid eye strain
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