MAT.060
Textbook Reading Strategies
During Reading
Take notes
Summarize (small) parts in your own words
Create a graphic organizer
Highlight, outline, annotate
Analyze symbols, formulas, charts, tables, etc.
Why are they important?
Why are they here?
Read and work examples
Take notes on good ideas and techniques
Pay attention to explanatory notes and general strategies
Identify (and define) vocabulary
Don't forget the glossary (and the index)
Look for bold-face type, italics, boxes, etc.
Try to use your own words
Visualize
Draw your own pictures
Create your own tables
Create your own graphic organizer
Charts, tables, and graphs help
Identify major concepts
Monitor comprehension
Don't give up -- adjust your strategies or get help
Your purpose is important here
After Reading
Get help with things that are still unclear
Ask: Did I fulfill my purpose?
What can I do next?
Re-read
What's missing and how do I get help?
How do I know?
Connect new information to old information
This helps reinforce memory
This goes with activating prior knowedge
Remember math is sequential
Use notes to help understand new info
Keep trying to put your reading notes in your own words
Merge your reading notes and your class notes
Take notes in class on top of or beside your notes from the reading
Before Reading
(pre-reading)
Pick a During Reading strategy
Read, summarize, take some notes, re-read
Scan thoroughly
Read, get frustrated, quit
Don't read
Preview
Headings
Subheadings
Graphs
Tables
Illustrations
Captions
Vocabulary -- bold, italic, etc.
Boxes
Objectives
It's like scanning a magazine at the checkout
Consider your purpose
The first time you read something your purpose shouldn't be to completely understand it
Purpose will likely be a combination of what your instructor wants and what you need
Reading with no purpose is like a scavenger hunt with no list
Activate your prior knowledge
Brush up on prior learning if necessary
Are you comfortable with the prerequisite knowledge?
Have you studied something similar before?
Have you studied it before?
Overview
Not a doorstop and not just the place to find the homework
Read it! You're expected to (and you should)
Get familiear with your textbook
