How to read a textbook take notes Why

How to read a textbook & take notes

Why should I care? • Have you ever finished reading something only to realize you don’t remember a word of what you just read?

Why should I care? • Have you ever listened to a lecture but can’t write as quickly as the teacher speaks?

Why should I care? • Have you ever sat down to study for tomorrow’s test only to realize you don’t know where to start?

How to read a textbook 1. Skim the selection you are going to read and look at titles, graphics, and subtitles to activate your prior knowledge.

How to read a textbook 2. Look at main ideas listed at the beginning of chapters, if provided. These will tell you what to pay attention to.

How to read a textbook 3. Carefully read small sections at a time, looking for bold and underlined words. Record these words and their definitions in your notes.

How to read a textbook 4. Do not skip graphics- these are there to help clarify information and you should examine them carefully.

How to read a textbook 5. After reading, look at the end of the section questions. You should be able to answer all of these; if not, go back and reread the selections you weren’t sure about.

Note taking strategies • Do not try to write everything word-for-word; write down only the important parts (always write down bold and underlined notes). • Summarize in your own words, not the teacher’s or the author’s.

Note taking strategies • Abbreviating helps but only if you can remember what you abbreviated when you go back to study. Ex. Do not use w/in if you don’t know it stands for within, ∆ = change, etc.

Note taking strategies • Jot down examples the teacher says in class or that are provided in your textbook. • Use color pens/highlighters. Studies show colors, especially yellow, helps trigger memory. This is why most highlighters are yellow!

Note taking strategies • Listen for teacher’s clues. Often a teacher will stress something in class or say “this will be on the test. ” Mark this in your notes and do something to draw attention to that section (star it, draw an arrow, etc). Margins are good for this.

Note taking strategies • Don’t be afraid to ask a teacher to slow down if they are going through material too quickly. • Ask questions when you are confused- don’t wait until the end of a lecture for clarification.