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Reading Textbooks

Video credit: Reading Textbooks – posted by UBC Learn on YouTube

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Reading a Textbook (Apply) 2020

Why is it recommended to begin your learning journey by examining the table of contents, and when do we revisit it?*
- It is not necessary to examine the table of contents because the textbook is typically laid out in a logical manner, so just dive right in!
- Although the authors do try their best to map out the information in a logical manner, reading the table of contents at the beginning (and revisiting it later) can help situate you on what has been covered and what is yet to come. It can also help you identify any particular areas of focus.
- To make the best use of our time, we can briefly scan the table of contents to see where we’re headed but it is not necessary to revisit it.
What is involved in the prereading process?*
- Looking at the title, section headings, subheadings, pictures, and captions.
- Scanning the chapter’s visual aids.
- Preparing your workspace by clearing out the clutter on your desk and adjusting the lights so that you have the best environment for reading.
What’s the best method for reading a chapter?*
- Reading it straight through once and giving yourself time to digest the information.
- Reading it straight through while highlighting sections that seem the most important to you.
- Reading in chunks (section by section) to allow yourself to digest the information, while taking notes in your own words.
What is involved in the reviewing process?*
- Comparing your lecture notes to your personal notes.
- Rereading the chapter summary.
- Asking your professor or friends for help with any remaining questions.
- All of the above.

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Downloadable PDF Version

Links

Articles/Websites

Dartmouth: Active Reading
UBC Mindmapping Resources
Princeton University: Active Reading Strategies
Ohio University: Rating Your Concentration Span
University of Victoria: Active Reading Skills

Videos

College Info Geek: Do you Actually Need to Read your Textbooks
UBC iSchool: How to Read an Academic Paper

Related Toolkits

Managing Your Time
Taking Notes
Thinking Critically

Related Resource Guides

CWSC: Academic and Professional Writing Resources

Your Turn

Try reading your textbook out loud, reading standing up or reading after doing exercise.

Did you find any or all of these methods effective for improving your attention?

Let us know your thoughts below.

One response to “Reading Textbooks”

throwbacks uniforms October 21, 2016 at 11:51 pm Permalink | Reply

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You understand so much its almost tough to argue with
you (not that I really would want to?HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject which has
been discussed for a long time. Wonderful stuff, just great!

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This will not change how I learn.
Good information and I am thinking about it.
This will definitely change how I learn.

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