One way to make the most of your time when studying is to learn how to read textbooks faster. You may be able to assimilate its contents more quickly if you browse carefully and selectively. Instead of reading everything verbatim, use the questions included at the end of each chapter or section to identify the most important passages. Also, use your finger as a guide and limit subvocalization (the habit of saying every word) so you can read faster.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Reading Selective Way
Step 1. Review the questions at the end of each paragraph or chapter
Use them to learn how to focus on the highlights. As you scroll through your eyes, ask yourself if the passage you are reading serves you to find the answers. If not, skip it.
Step 2. Read the introduction and the final summary of the chapter
Look for some keywords, including "effects", "results", "causes", "contrasting" and "pros and cons". They will orient you towards the thesis, or main concept, set out in the chapter you are reading. By knowing the basic topics in advance, you will be able to identify paragraphs that require careful reading.
Highlight the main concept and keep it in mind so that you stay focused on the topic
Step 3. Look carefully at the titles and subtitles of each paragraph
Reformulate them as questions to reflect on the author's most important ideas. If a title reads: "Kramer's three social laws", rework it like this: "What are Kramer's three social laws?". Then read the steps that allow you to answer this question.
Remember that bold or italicized headings and subtitles contain clues to help you get the most relevant information
Step 4. Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph
If they are clear to you, just skim or skip the entire paragraph. If you don't understand them, read it all.
Don't rush when you find tricky paragraphs and complex sentences. This way you can fully understand what the author is trying to explain
Step 5. Pay attention only to the most important concepts and details
Browse the pages in search of the most relevant concepts, characters, places and events. Typically, they are written in bold or italics. If you understand a concept, you can skip the contextual information that exposes it.
Read explanations and contextual information only if you don't fully understand a concept
Step 6. Divide the chapter among your classmates
Ask some classmates if they are willing to participate. If they accept, assign parts of the chapter to two or three of them. Everyone will have to take responsibility for studying the part they have received. Try to agree on the work each one will have to complete.
For example, determine that each student in the group will read and write a detailed outline of the section they have been assigned. Then ask everyone to complete their pattern by a certain date, such as on the weekend
Part 2 of 3: Read actively
Step 1. Define a goal
You can determine this by asking yourself questions before you start reading, such as: "What is the author's main thesis?", "What part of the chapter does my teacher want me to focus on?", "What have I learned or not learned in relation to this topic? ".
These questions will allow you to focus on the most useful and important content and read the text more effectively, excluding irrelevant information or information that you have already acquired
Step 2. Make notes at the edge of the page
In addition to using the highlighter, write questions and comments along the edges of the text, or on a piece of paper if the book isn't yours. In this way, you will become more master of the subject and you will be able to memorize information better, avoiding returning to what you have already read.
- When you can, create diagrams, graphics and illustrations to summarize the content;
- Try to highlight any terms you don't know and find definitions.
Step 3. Summarize what you read in your own words
Write down the main points on a sheet of paper. Use examples to clarify them. If you can't summarize the most important concepts, you may want to go back to the paragraphs in which they are explained.
Make sure your summary doesn't go over one page
Step 4. Create a study environment away from any distraction
Choose a quiet space in your home, like your bedroom, or go to the library to read. Put away any distractions, including your cell phone, computer, and Internet connection. After activating the silence function on your phone or turning it off, read the chapters and write your notes by hand.
- Also, be sure to choose a well-lit and comfortable, but not too comfortable, place.
- If you prefer to stay at home, let your family (or roommates) know that you need to study quietly in your room and that you will appreciate it if they don't make too much noise.
Part 3 of 3: Read Faster
Step 1. Give yourself a specific time frame
Think, "I'll read this chapter for an hour and a half." This way, you won't lose focus while applying to your book. If you find that part of the text is taking too much time, digest the main points and move on.
Put a mark and take it back if it's particularly difficult
Step 2. Use a reading pointer to focus on the text
Put a finger (a card or a pen) under the first word and move it as you go along. In this way, you will help your eyes to focus on the words you are reading, without being distracted by other images and information.
By using a pointer you can also tell if you are reading slowly or quickly. In fact, if you move your finger quickly, it means that the reading proceeds quickly too, and vice versa
Step 3. Avoid saying every word
Subvocalization consists in repeating lightly, on the lips, what you are reading. There is nothing wrong, but you risk slowing down the times. So, limit this habit by chewing gum or listening to a song. By forcing yourself to read more quickly, subvocalization will subside.
In addition, there are applications and programs that can help you contain the tendency to pronounce every word
Step 4. Check the speed
Reading more quickly does not only mean speeding up, but also learning to control the pace of reading. In other words, slow down when you find concepts you don't know or are not clear about. So, move on faster once you understand the meaning.
