Reading to Learn

Be sure to practice the four steps of active reading: previewing, marking, reading with concentration, and reviewing. If you practice these steps, you will understand and retain more of what you read.

Take your course textbooks seriously. They contain essential information you’ll be expected to learn and understand. Never try to “get by” without the text.

Remember that not all textbooks are the same. They vary by subject area and style of writing. Some may be easier to comprehend than others, but don’t give up if the reading level is challenging.

Learn and practice the different techniques suggested in this chapter for reading and understanding texts on different subjects. Which texts are easiest for you to understand? Which are the hardest? Why?

In addition to the textbook, be sure to read all supplemental assigned reading material. Also, try to find additional materials to take your reading beyond what is required. The more you read, the more you will understand, and the better your performance will be.

As you read, be sure to take notes on the material. Indicate in your notes what specific ideas you need help in understanding.

Get help with difficult material before too much time elapses. College courses use sequential material that builds on previous material. You will need to master the material as you go along.

Discuss difficult readings in study groups. Explain to one another what you do and don’t understand.

Find out what kind of assistance your campus offers to increase reading comprehension and speed. Check out your learning and counseling centers for free workshops. Even faculty and staff sometimes take advantage of these services. Most everyone wants to improve reading speed and comprehension.

Use reading to build your vocabulary. Learning new words is a critical learning skill and outcome of college. The more words you know, the more you’ll understand, and your grades will show it.