how to read and understand college texts

Kristy Kolzow

Take the textbook study method inventory to find out.

Uncover the mystery to reading like a pro.

Myths Uncovered

• Scan the preface or introduction• Scan the table of contents• Scan the index, glossary, and other material

at the back of the book• Scrutinize study questions, guides and other

helps• Scan chapter headings, sectional headings

and items in the margin• Examine maps, pictures, charts, diagrams

and tables

Academic Skills Center, Dartmouth College 2001

Divide the chapter into sections Space out your reading Use the chapter headings to make

questions Take notes as you read Stop to monitor your comprehension

◦ ARE YOU GETTING IT?

Adapted from Orientation to College Learning

ISWAM◦ During Lecture

SCROL◦ While Reading

TASSEL◦ Staying on Task

Academic Skills Center, Dartmouth College 2001

Information about these strategies is available in your handouts.

How to pass the test successfully.

Say to yourself “Where did I see this information?”

Picture what you read.

Organize in your mind all your study aids.

Remember to “dump” information (fill the margins).

Tell yourself to go back to the “dumped” info.

Now use the clues you have been given to read your textbooks like a pro.

How to better understand what

you read.

Understanding metaphors◦ Using comparisons

Read with purpose◦ FIRST◦ Read the outline◦ Read the summary questions

Increase vocabulary◦ Look over vocabulary list for the chapter

Read aloud◦ Good for ALL learning styles

Translate the information into simple language

Jot down notes◦ As you read the text

*Tricks from Trenna Sue Hiler

Reasons to read outside of the classroom.

Enhanced smarts.

Reduces stress.

Greater tranquility.

Improved analytical thinking.

Increased vocabulary.

Improved writing skills.

How do we read?

Newspaper Travel brochure for interest

Running the eyes over quickly, to get the gist.

Newspaper The telephone directory A train timetable Travel brochure for a resort

Looking for a particular piece of information.

A novel Poem

Longer texts for pleasure and needing global understanding.

Text in class Postcard Recipe Travel brochure for detail

Shorter texts, extracting specific information, accurate reading for detail.