The content on this page is adapted from the book, Keys to Academic Success: Strategies for unlocking your educational potential so you can spend less time studying and more time learning. To purchase a digital copy of the complete book, click here.
Reading can prepare you for class, supplement what you learn in the lecture, and even allow you to learn more about a particular topic that strikes your interest. But not everyone enjoys to read, so here are a few specific reading strategies that might help make the process go more smoothly and be more enjoyable.
Read Before Class
Completing the assigned readings before showing up for class can give you a basic foundation of understanding upon which to further develop the content covered during class, setting you up to gain more out of each and every lecture. In addition, reading can also get you thinking and engaging with the content before class even starts so that you will be better prepared to participate in class discussions in a more in-depth manner and better able to formulate any questions you might have about the class material. And the more engaged you are during class, the better you will learn the material that is covered.
Note Section Headings
In many cases, written text–including the text on this page–is divided by section headings. Use these section headings to your advantage when you read in order to maintain focus and develop a structural outline of understanding of the material covered within the text. These headings can also be useful for speed reading or skimming of the material when time is limited or when you wish to quickly review content.
Use a Dictionary
When reading, if you come across a word you do not know, take the time to stop and look up the definition. Yes, it will take longer, but it will increase your understanding of the material being discussed and will help you to get the most out of your reading. And that can save you time in the long run as you won’t be struggling to learn something you don’t quite understand.
Read Other Sources
Different authors have different ways of presenting material, so if you are struggling to understand or even enjoy something you are reading in one of your textbooks, try finding another source for the same information. You could try a different book, or you could consult a reputable online source that may present the same material in a slightly different manner that’s easier for you to understand. Once you feel like you grasp the material better, go back to the textbook and see if you can now make better sense of what it is saying.
Supplement with Videos
If you are more of a visual learner, try supplementing your reading with videos. Just like reading another source, watching a quick video that discusses a specific topic can make all the difference in your understanding of the material and help get you back on track with your reading.
Reading is a great way to learn, and it doesn’t have to be a chore. By using these strategies, you can make the most of your time spent reading in order to learn and understand the material even better.