Do you know how to read a textbook or other academic material effectively? If you’re reading this, you clearly know how toÌýread, but do you know how to readÌýeducational materialÌýin particular? Most of us assume that we do, and yet, similar toÌý, reading can become so unconscious that we don’t realize we’re doing it ineffectively. Success Coaches have noticed that some new Â鶹ֱ²¥ students approach reading textbooks similar to reading a novel; they read every word once, starting on page one and continuing to the end of the book. If that describes you, take a look at six reading myths described by Dartmouth College.
Considering the amount of time you’ll likely spend reading as Flexible Option student, check out these resources on how to read effectively:
- ÌýPrepared by Dartmouth College’s Academic Skills Center, this page offers several handouts and videos on how to read more efficiently and effectively.
- ÌýPrepared by Cornell College, this page presents a Preview/Read Actively/Review (P2R) approach to reading a textbook.
- ÌýThis page presents a four-step strategy to reading textbooks along with links to other resources related to effective study habits.
Keep in mind that not all reading strategies are equally effective for all learning styles and all disciplines. For example, it’s difficultÌýto skim a mathÌýtextbook and read only for main ideas (although familiarizing yourself with the book’s general layout can help). Pay attention to both how you learn and the particular material you’re studying to develop a solid reading strategy.
