1. Alexander College Writing & Learning Centres

2.  By the end of this workshop:  You will learn to identify key features in any textbook for any course that will help you learn  You will analyse and summarise what you think a chapter is about  You will learn how to use SQ3R

3.  In order to succeed in college and university classes, textbook learning is very important  If the instructor assigns a textbook, you NEED to buy it!!  DO NOT listen to those who tell you otherwise!

4.  Learning outcomes  Subheadings and bolded terms  Chapter summaries  Review exercises  Active Reading [SQ3R]

5.  Presented at the beginning of the chapter  A guide to the material being discussed and what you should know by the end of the chapter.

6.  Sub-headings provide key information on what certain pages contain  Bolded terms contain crucial information, definition is usually on the margins of the page.  Tip: Make a list of all the terms and definitions to aid with your studying.

8.  Found at the end of the chapter  A review of all the important points covered in the chapter  A great way to review if you have sufficiently understood the information in the chapter

9.  At the end of the chapter or part of online course materials.  Contains questions that you can use to test yourself to see how well you understand the material  Great tool to use when studying for exams!

10.  Found at the back of the textbook  Great way to look up key terms/ideas or any topic you may be interested in

11.  Survey:  Quickly skim the chapter to get an idea  Question:  What is the main point of what I am reading? Why is this important? What does this mean?

12.  Read:  Concentrate on the topic, Avoid distractions!

13.  Read:  Remember:  Take notes!  Test your memory?  Do you “get” the gist?

14.  Read:  Remember:  Review:  Go back and reread if you must!  Refine your notes!

15.  You DO NOT have to memorize every word  Highlight ONLY key terms and points!

16.  Using textbooks effectively will make you a stronger student  Improved Grades!!  Focus on the key features to guide your learning  Learning outcomes  Subheadings and bolded terms  Chapter summaries  Review exercises in textbook/online