Eye Glide and Other Reading Woes

Reading textbooks can be difficult, and let's be honest, it can seem pretty boring sometimes, too. Consider these suggestions as you read. Turn your passive reading experience (the one where you spend more time spacing out and re-reading than learning) into a treasure hunt for knowledge. Yes, reading can be interesting and even fun!

Try the SQ3R method

• First survey the whole chapter assigned. Give yourself a good picture of what will be covered. What are the headings and bolded words? What tables stand out? 
• Then, develop questions to answer as you read. Use the review questions at the back of the chapter. Type them up and refer to them during your reading sessions. Also, ask yourself, "What is important? Why? What's an example?" Make three columns in a notebook and answer those questions as you go.
• Read in 20 minute chunks or read a section at a time. Take a break after that.
• When you finish a section, close the book and recite what you just read in your own words.
• When you finish the entire chapter, review your answers to the questions. Then, set your notes aside and see if you can answer the questions without them. Re-read any sections you still do not understand.

Highlight after you read

• Our tendency is to highlight far too much when we highlight as we read because everything seems important. Finish a section first and then highlight the main points.

Read the assigned chapter before class - or - Keep your class notes open as you read

• Use your textbook and notes to clarify each other.
• Note any questions you have and ask them in class as soon as you can.

Most of us have experienced eye glide, those times when you realize you have been reading for a while but you have no idea what you have read. Try the approaches above and check back in the future for more textbook reading tips. Leave a comment if you have any other suggestions for students to try.