Nowadays students are hardly taught study techniques useful for dealing with the mass of university books, more full-bodied than those of high school. Consequently, to absorb the notions, habits mature that do more harm than good. This article will show ways to simplify and study even the most information-rich volumes. In fact, if followed carefully, these learning techniques will actually save you time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Optimizing Reading
Step 1. First, read the introduction of the book
If it is a volume that talks in detail on a particular topic, the introduction summarizes the writer's argument and presents a lineup of the book. If the text is instead introductory and generic, such as Introduction to linguistics or Principles of microeconomics, the introduction will help you understand how the topic will be addressed by the writer.
Step 2. Analyze the structure of the book
First, take a look at the volume summary. Observe how it is organized: this could help you predict the topics that will be discussed in class and that will be requested in the exam. Also, take a look at the structure of each chapter. Most authors use a detailed lineup of the main titles and subtitles they intend to cover in each chapter of the book.
Step 3. Before reading a chapter, take a look at the final part
Many books offer a summary or summary of the content at the end of a chapter, but also review questions or food for thought. Skipping to this part right away before reading the entire chapter will help you understand what to focus on when reading.
Step 4. Process questions based on this preliminary analysis
See if the titles and subtitles provide any clues for potential questions. For example, a section titled "Causes of Alcoholism" in a psychology book could easily be converted into an exam question: What are the causes of alcoholism?
As you read, try to answer these questions. If you don't find information, change the questions
Step 5. Read aloud
Reading aloud may make it easier to understand and complete the book. This method also helps you stay on track, especially if the prose is intricate or complex.
Step 6. Create a distraction-free environment for reading
Put away your cell phone, don't sit in front of your computer and don't let yourself be interrupted. You may think that you are perfectly capable of doing multiple activities at the same time and studying without fully concentrating. However, if you are serious about dealing with a subject, then you must give it your full attention. Focus and you will be rewarded.
Step 7. Take a break every time you finish reading a chapter
Take a 10-minute walk or reward yourself with a treat. If you are exhausted, you will not study well: you have to start studying each chapter with a fresh mind.
Part 2 of 3: Studying the Book
Step 1. In the beginning, use optimization techniques
This will help you get a general overview of the book, so that you can approach the reading after you have an idea of the structure and main points of the text. As you complete your reading, keep in mind the questions you found at the end of the chapter.
Step 2. Read the entire chapter
During this stage, don't take notes or do anything else - just read. The objectives are two. First, you can get a general idea of the purpose of the chapter; ask yourself: broadly, what is the author trying to convey in the chapter? Second, how does the writer structure the information or arguments? When you have a clear mental picture of these two questions, then you can start taking notes that will be useful for you to study for the exams and research essays.
Don't be in a hurry during this step. You may be tempted to read as fast as possible, but if you hurry, you will hardly be absorbing the information effectively
Step 3. Take notes as you read
This does not mean writing every single word verbatim. The art of note-taking involves being able to distinguish what is important and interesting in the text, instead of just copying it.
- The first piece of information you need to write is the main point or argument the author conveys in the chapter. Do not exceed three sentences to do this. Then, he analyzes the sequence of reasoning he used to support his ideas. At this point, the titles and subtitles will come in handy. Under each title you will find paragraphs that make up the various sections of the chapter. Write down the key phrases that help structure the argument in each section and chapter.
- Don't be afraid to write in the book. Jotting notes, comments, and questions in the margins of relevant information about the text itself can be a very useful strategy when studying.
- Write your notes by hand. Handwriting forces the brain to really dwell on the subject, instead of glossing over it or copying the same words on the computer without much thought.
Step 4. Create a list of concepts and terms
Review the chapter and list the theoretical concepts and main properties to understand the technical aspects of the chapter. Also, make a list of the key terminology with the corresponding definitions. Often this information is printed in bold or italics, or is separated in a box or embossed with another method that catches the eye.
Step 5. Create a study guide using your notes
Start by summarizing the chapter and its main points in your own words. This way you will understand which are the parts that you have not understood so well. Ask yourself questions about what you have read and the notes you have taken. For example, ask yourself, "What question does this information answer?", And "How does this information relate to other aspects?"
Part 3 of 3: Understanding Some Common Mistakes
Step 1. Remember that you don't have to read every single word
This is a widespread myth among many students. Especially if you tend to be a slow reader, you may find it more effective to read the beginning and end of the chapter, adding the points separated from the rest of the text (information entered in a box, graphic or other attention-grabbing areas on the page) and all words in bold or italics.
Step 2. Plan to read more than once
Another mistake many students make is to read the book only once and never open it again. A multi-level reading is undoubtedly a better strategy.
- On your first reading, scroll through the text. Determine what the main idea or goal is (often indicated by the chapter title and subtitles). Mark the points you don't think you understand correctly.
- Read headlines, subtitles, and other organizational graphics. The authors of college books often structure the chapters so that the goal of each section is very clear. Use it to your advantage.
- In subsequent readings, dwell more on the details.
Step 3. Remember that reading does not mean studying
Sometimes students casually scroll over and over a page, convinced that they are not assimilating anything from this "reading". Reading is an active process: you have to be involved in it, pay attention and think about the words you read.
Step 4. It would be better not to highlight during the first reading
While reading a chapter you may be tempted to color the text with a rainbow of highlighters, but hold on: research has shown that underlining can actually get in the way of reading, because you feel compelled to highlight every single potentially important word, without thinking critically about it. ideas presented.
If you need to highlight, wait until you've completed your first reading, then use the highlighter sparingly to emphasize only the most important ideas
Step 5. Remember that you may need to do some research while reading
You can give in to the temptation to go beyond words and elements you don't understand in an attempt to complete the reading as soon as possible; this actually damages understanding. If a complex textbook on Marxist economics has terms you don't understand at first, don't continue: stop reading, search for the word and understand it, before continuing.
Advice
- Give yourself plenty of time to do this. Don't expect to assimilate 10 chapters of microeconomics or human anatomy the night before an exam. To study, determine realistic expectations and goals.
- If you want to emphasize on the book, just highlight the important passages. This technique will force you to dwell on the concepts, without mechanically smearing the text as if it were a coloring book.
