2. WHAT IS A TEXTBOOK?
A textbook or coursebook i
s a manual of instruction in
any branch of study.
Textbooks are produced
according to the demands
of educational institutions.
Although most textbooks
are only published in
printed format, many are
now available as
online electronic books.
3. CHECKLIST OF SYMPTOMS
Do you often:
Get
bored or fall asleep when reading a
textbook chapter?
Feel that you haven't remembered a thing
after you finish reading a chapter?
Get poor grades in courses that require
reading textbook material?
Get poor grades on chapter tests when you
think that you knew the material?
Spend several hours rereading a chapter in a
textbook?
4. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Textbooks are difficult.
They are not pleasure reading.
They are meant to give information.
The words and concepts are complex.
5. HOW TO READ A TEXTBOOK?
Step 1: LOOK AT THE
COVER!
Are
there any pictures that
can give you a clue on the
topics you may be
studying?
What about the title?
Is this a book for
beginners or for someone
with more skill?
If it's a history book, will
6. HOW TO READ A TEXTBOOK?
Step 2: REVIEW THE TABLE OF
CONTENTS!
How
many chapters does the textbook
have?
What about sub-chapters?
Is there a glossary or a series of
appendices?
What about a bibliography?
7. HOW TO READ A TEXTBOOK?
Step 3:
SURVEY/PREVIEW
THE CHAPTER (SKIM
THE ENTIRE
CHAPTER).
What
immediately
catches your attention?
Is it the bold text of the
chapter title or are there
clear photos or
drawings with
8. HOW TO READ A TEXTBOOK?
Step 4: REVIEW ANY CAPTIONS THAT
MAY BE IN THIS CHAPTER.
This
includes the writing underneath pictures
or photographs, as well as the titles for
charts and diagrams. How do the words and
pictures compare?
9. HOW TO READ A TEXTBOOK?
Step 5: WRITE DOWN THE BOLD TEXTS
OF THE CHAPTER.
10. HOW TO READ A TEXTBOOK?
Step 6: COMPARE THE QUESTIONS AT
THE END OF THE CHAPTER WITH YOUR
LIST OF BOLDED TEXT.
11. HOW TO READ A TEXTBOOK?
Step 7: REVIEW AND
RECITE.
This
is the most important
step! Don't delay!
Review immediately, during
the same study session.
Once you get to the end of the
piece, go back and review the
notes you've made. Look over
the important words, points,
and lists.
12. TIPS
Don't be hard on yourself. If this is hard for
you, it's probably just as hard for other
students in your class.
Don't try to read in a noisy environment.
That might be OK under other
circumstances, but it's not a good idea when
attempting difficult reading.
Talk to others who are reading the same
material. ASK SOME ADVICE.
Don't give up!
