Textbook Reading and Comprehension

Have you ever read an assignment and when you finished couldn't recall anything you read? Do you have a hard time staying awake while you read? These may be signs that you need to get more actively involved in the learning process. Some suggestions include:

Survey the assignment.

• Analyze the purpose of the assignment.
• Look over the introduction, headings (subtitles), italicized words, summary, etc.
• Get a general idea of the material.
• Review what you know and make predictions about what you think you will learn.
• Make a sematic map of the chapter before reading and then fill in sections as the text is read.
• The author had a plan to organize the material.  What is it?

Turn headings into questions and read to answer the questions.

• Break the material into chunks and make notes on the main ideas or questions answered.
• Confirm or revise the previous predictions made while surveying.
• Use the SQ3R reading method.
• Make concept webs or maps.

Other tips:

• Review the information read by reciting the questions and corresponding notes.
• Restate the information and link it to information already known.
• Make study guides.
• Organize the material if possible. Example: cause/effect flow charts, classification charts, thematic schemes, or hierarchical systems.
• Periodically review to store the information in long term memory.
• Be active while reading; not passive.

Visit the Study Strategies Desk at the Learning Center to have your reading and study skills analyzed.

For Online Students - Capturing the main ideas may be more difficult since there are fewer "in-class clues."  If you have difficulty differentiating between main ideas and supporting facts/details, call (765) 285-3779 for a Study Strategies tutor.  Helpful ideas may be given over the phone or through online tutoring.