reading a college textbook shari k. nelson student success center university of north dakota

Reading a College Textbook

Shari K. NelsonStudent Success CenterUniversity of North Dakota

What tools do I need?

• Pencils/pens to write in the margin


• Pencils/pens to write in the margin• Highlighters


• Pencils/pens to write in the margin• Highlighters• Copy of assignment


• Pencils/pens to write in the margin• Highlighters• Copy of assignment• Paper or computer to take notes


• Pencils/pens to write in the margin• Highlighters• Copy of assignment• Paper or computer to take notes• Dictionary

What are some general reading tips?

• Set aside time to read


• Set aside time to read• Read the chapter before the lecture


• Set aside time to read• Read the chapter before the lecture• Break the reading into chunks


• Set aside time to read• Read the chapter before the lecture• Break the reading into chunks• Use a reading system (presented later)


• Set aside time to read• Read the chapter before the lecture• Break the reading into chunks• Use a reading system (presented later)• Use plastic index tabs or adhesive notes


• Set aside time to read• Read the chapter before the lecture• Break the reading into chunks• Use a reading system (presented later)• Use plastic index tabs or adhesive notes • Be careful when purchasing a used, highlighted book

Where and when should I read?

• Select the right company (or no company at all)


• Select the right company (or no company at all)• Select the right location


• Select the right company (or no company at all)• Select the right location• Select a time when you are alert and focused


• Select the right company (or no company at all)• Select the right location• Select a time when you are alert and focused• Don’t let technology distract you

Reading a College Textbook

What should I do before I start reading my textbook?

• Know the assignment before you start


• Know the assignment before you start• Preview the chapter



– Table of contents



– Table of contents– Headings for each chapter



– Table of contents– Headings for each chapter– Preface



– Table of contents– Headings for each chapter– Preface– Index, glossary or answer keys



– Table of contents– Headings for each chapter– Preface– Index, glossary or answer keys– Any study aids



– Table of contents– Headings for each chapter– Preface– Index, glossary or answer keys– Any study aids– List of key terms



– Table of contents– Headings for each chapter– Preface– Index, glossary or answer keys– Any study aids– List of key terms– Sample tests

What’s the SQ3R reading/study system?

• Survey• Question• Read• Recite/Recall• Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dhcSP_Myjg

Why should I mark my textbook?

• Promotes active reading


• Promotes active reading• Condenses the material


• Promotes active reading• Condenses the material• Increases comprehension


• Promotes active reading• Condenses the material• Increases comprehension• Keeps you focused

How should I mark my textbook?

• Read before you mark (highlight or underline)


• Read before you mark (highlight or underline)• Read one section at a time


• Read before you mark (highlight or underline)• Read one section at a time• Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences


• Read before you mark (highlight or underline)• Read one section at a time• Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences• Make notes in the margin


• Read before you mark (highlight or underline)• Read one section at a time• Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences• Make notes in the margin• Predict questions in the margin


• Read before you mark (highlight or underline)• Read one section at a time• Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences• Make notes in the margin• Predict questions in the margin• Use different colored highlighters


• Read before you mark (highlight or underline)• Read one section at a time• Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences• Make notes in the margin• Predict questions in the margin• Use different colored highlighters• Write “Q” in the margin if you don’t understand, so you can

ask someone later.

What should I mark in my textbook?

• Headings• Subheadings• Main ideas• Supporting details• Theories• Definitions

What should I mark in my textbook?

• Headings• Subheadings• Main ideas• Supporting details• Theories• Definitions

• Examples• Statistics• Dates• People• Places• Events

What should I do when the reading is tough?

• Read it again• Look for essential words• Hold a mini-review• Read it out loud• Talk to your instructor• Stand up

What should I do when the reading is tough?

• Read it again• Look for essential words• Hold a mini-review• Read it out loud• Talk to your instructor• Stand up

• Find a tutor• Use another text• Pretend you understand, then explain it• Stop reading; take a short break

How can I increase my vocabulary?

• Glossary


• Glossary• Dictionary

– Read every meaning, not just the first




• Try to use the word in conversation within the next 24 hours




• Try to use the word in conversation within the next 24 hours• Create vocabulary flashcards for difficult to remember words




• Try to use the word in conversation within the next 24 hours• Create vocabulary flashcards for difficult to remember words• Games/activities

– Scattegories; crossword puzzles; word-a-day emails

What about e-books?

• Paper vs. screen = personal preference

What about e-books?

• Paper vs. screen = personal preference• Paper vs. screen = learning style

How should I read an e-book?

• Take notes


• Take notes• Highlight and print out marked sections


• Take notes• Highlight and print out marked sections• Pace yourself (using your finger or paper)


• Take notes• Highlight and print out marked sections• Pace yourself (using your finger or paper)• Preview the entire page before reading


• Take notes• Highlight and print out marked sections• Pace yourself (using your finger or paper)• Preview the entire page before reading• Have text read aloud to you


• Take notes• Highlight and print out marked sections• Pace yourself (using your finger or paper)• Preview the entire page before reading• Have text read aloud to you • Work to avoid eye strain

Thank You!

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reading a college textbook shari k. nelson student success center university of north dakota

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