As you begin to read, be sure to learn more about the textbook and its author by reading the frontmatter in the book, such as the preface, foreword, introduction, and author’s biographical sketch. The preface is usually written by the author or authors and will tell you why they wrote the book and what material it covers. It will also explain the book’s organization and give insight into the author’s perspective. The preface will likely help you see the relationships among the facts presented and comprehend the ideas presented across the book. Textbooks often have a preface written to the instructor and a separate preface for the students. The foreword is often an endorsement of the book written by someone other than the author. Some books have an additional introduction that reviews the book’s overall organization and its contents chapter by chapter.
Some textbooks include study questions at the end of each chapter. Take time to read and respond to these questions, whether or not your instructor requires you to do so.
Textbooks must try to cover a lot of material in a fairly limited space, and they won’t necessarily provide all the things you want to know about a topic. If you find yourself fascinated by a particular topic, go to the primary sources, the original research or document. You’ll find them referenced in almost all textbooks, either at the end of the chapters or in the back of the book. You can read more information about primary and supplementary sources here.
primary sources The original research or documentation on a topic, usually referenced either at the end of a chapter or at the back of the book.
You might also go to other related sources that make the text more interesting and informative. Because some textbooks are sold with test banks, your instructors might draw their examinations directly from the text, or they might use the textbook only to supplement the lectures. Ask your instructors what the tests will cover and the types of questions that will be used. Some instructors expect you to read the textbook carefully, while others are much more concerned that you be able to understand broad concepts that come primarily from lectures.
Finally, not all textbooks are equal. Some are better designed and written than others. If your textbook seems disorganized or hard to understand, let your instructor know your opinion. Others likely share your opinion. Your instructor might spend some class time explaining the text, and he or she can meet with you during office hours to help you with the material. Instructors also use student feedback on textbooks to help them choose which ones to select for future classes.