Week 12, Fall 2023: Reading Textbooks
ACE Study Tip of the Week
- If the textbook is confusing, read a simplified version first (a review book or an online summary).
- Focus on objectives listed on the syllabus or textbook.
- Look for the big picture & analyze how various details fit into it.
- Talk to yourself as you read, constantly paraphrasing the material: Oh, I see, she's saying ______________.
- Stop at the end of a paragraph or section to write a note in the margin of your textbook or notebook. Only note what is new to you & also important.
- Focus on & explain to yourself (as if you are teaching yourself) all diagrams, charts, examples, & formulas.
- Reading may take longer than you expect. It might take an hour to truly understand 5 pages, & you may have to read some material twice.
Good luck,
Audrey Zenner
Academic Center for Excellence (ACE)
zeesa@uic.edu
312.413.0031
Modified on October 12, 2023