Overview

� Before you read� Reading strategies� Reading method (suggested)� Additional tips

Before You Read

� Determine the purpose� Select a reading method

�� For general informationFor general information�� For general informationFor general information

�� Is it fundamental or supplemental to the course Is it fundamental or supplemental to the course contentcontent

�� For specific informationFor specific information

Select a method based on your purpose for Select a method based on your purpose for readingreadingreadingreading

•• General information General information –– SKIMSKIM

•• For specific information For specific information –– SCANSCAN

•• If the reading is fundamental If the reading is fundamental –– PP--RR--RR

•• If the reading is supplemental If the reading is supplemental -- SKIMSKIM

For General InformationFor General Information

Search for main ideas by noting the text Search for main ideas by noting the text Search for main ideas by noting the text Search for main ideas by noting the text organizational clues such as headings, suborganizational clues such as headings, sub--headings, italics, and summaries.headings, italics, and summaries.

For Specific InformationFor Specific Information

Run your eyes down the page Run your eyes down the page Run your eyes down the page Run your eyes down the page looking for specific facts or key looking for specific facts or key words and phrases.words and phrases.

When the reading is fundamentalWhen the reading is fundamental

Preview Preview Preview Preview

Why?Why?Giving your mind a general framework of what is to Giving your mind a general framework of what is to come (advanced organizer) helps you comprehend come (advanced organizer) helps you comprehend the material betterthe material better

PreviewPreviewPreviewPreviewHow?How?�� Look over the material before reading.Look over the material before reading.

–– Title Title –– SummarySummary–– QuestionsQuestions–– GlossaryGlossary

Why?Why?

ReadReadWhy?Why?

Active reading Active reading

••involves you in the material (facilitates involves you in the material (facilitates understanding)understanding)

••combats boredomcombats boredom

••increases retentionincreases retention

How?How?

ReadRead

How?How?•• Set realistic time goals and number of pages to Set realistic time goals and number of pages to

readread•• Dived chapter into small sectionsDived chapter into small sections•• Ask yourself questions about the materials you are Ask yourself questions about the materials you are

reading (who, what, when, how, & why)reading (who, what, when, how, & why)

RecallRecall

Why?Why?Immediately after reading Immediately after reading recallrecall the questions the questions you asked your self in the preview did the you asked your self in the preview did the reading answer them.reading answer them.

How?How?

RecallRecallHow?How?

•• Mentally recall or recite the sections of the text Mentally recall or recite the sections of the text you have highlighted.you have highlighted.

•• Answer your questions in your own words.Answer your questions in your own words.•• Take notes Cornell styleTake notes Cornell style•• Make an outline of the chapter.Make an outline of the chapter.•• Practice with a friend recalling. Practice with a friend recalling.

� Read the summary first� Review questions before reading� Review questions before reading� Preview the vocabulary� Mark up your text� Take notes from the book

� Look for key termsMake note cards (using key terms)� Make note cards (using key terms)

� Try to predict exam questions as you read� Do not over highlight� Summarize material in your own words� Keep a dictionary nearby

Kimberly LaBoone, PhDDirector of Academic ServicesTrinity Washington UniversityTrinity Washington University

202.884.9360laboonek@trinitydc.edu