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what are the challenges you are facing when you are reading a textbook?
what are the challenges you are facing when you are reading a textbook?
unfamiliar words?
unfamiliar words?
Textbooks often contain Tier 2 and Tier 3 words which is why they are often unfamiliar. Look at the poster below and see if you can work out what Tier 1, 2 and 3 words are. These words were put together by Dr Isabel Beck, an influential professor of education. One way you can help yourself in your reading is to make an effort to find out what these new words mean and then learn them. You can do this through regular retrieval practice.
tier 3 words
tier 3 words
These words are used less frequently in everyday language as they are often subject specific. It is crucial you learn them to develop your subject expertise.
tier 2 words
tier 2 words
These are words used more in academic language which is why you find them frequently in textbooks. They are often instructive or add depth to your understanding.
Tier 2 words - Practice
Tier 2 words - Practice
Isabel Becks recommends to help your reading you start by focussing on understanding Tier 2 words. Visit Wordwall and see if you know some of these tier 2 words.
knowing how to start?
knowing how to start?
text pages & questions
text pages & questions
How do you start a reading task where you have a passage or 1-2 pages to read followed by some comprehension questions about them?
text chapters & notes
text chapters & notes
How do you start longer reading tasks where you have to read chapter/s in textbooks?
Top Tip: Prepare
Top Tip: Prepare
text pages & questions
text pages & questions
Skilful readers ask themselves questions before, during and after they read. How could this approach help you in reading textbooks? What are good questions to ask yourself before, during and after you have read a section in a text?
Skilful readers ask themselves questions before, during and after they read. How could this approach help you in reading textbooks? What are good questions to ask yourself before, during and after you have read a section in a text?
Read through the questions before you start
We often learn best when we move from the general or the 'big picture' to specifics
Skim over the pages you have to read so you can see the direction of the text.
Look out for chapter headings and subheadings
Glance over any pictures or graphs - dual coding is important for learning
Look at any bold wording or a glossary box so you have a better chance of understanding the flow of a paragraph as you read
If there is a page or chapter summary read it!
4. Review the question again - you are now ready to begin
text chapters & notes
text chapters & notes
Having a quick browse through a book before you start reading can save you a lot of time in the long run. Tips you could try out:
Have a list of keywords from your notes to help you narrow down what areas you need to find information on.
Reading the index at the back of the book helps narrow down what areas you need to find further information on.
Always try to read the chapter summaries first and then look at the chapter index to see if what you need an answer to is covered in that chapter or section.
If you are looking for information on a broad area, then skimming through a book when you have some spare time can sometimes work.
Take note of the different heading and subcategories in a chapter to see if it is relevant to the area that you need more information on.
the dictionary
the dictionary
You now know you should expect unfamiliar words when you read textbooks. Make it a habit to have a dictionary at hand and look these words up in it! Once you find the definition of the word reread the section again and see if you now understand what it is the author is talking about.
You could also try...
If you have privacy, re-read the paragraph out loud.
If you feel that you understand what the paragraph is about, try to rewrite it in your own words which will make it a lot more simpler for you to understand at a later date.
Use this method to also write summaries of the topics you need to learn - do this without looking at the textbook when you can.
Now try to start retrieving these new words and use them regularly.
chunking
chunking
Remember chunking? You can use it for reading too. This alongside the pomodoro technique can help you read, understand and not be overwhelmed when reading textbooks.
Before you start have a plan
Look at what you need to learn and plan out the areas you need to focus on
Spending 30 minutes reading a portion of a textbook regularly is making a marginal gain
Look at your notes and write out the key areas you need to look at from the textbook.
Write out a list of questions you need to get an answer from your reading. This will help you focus on only the areas you need to find an answer for and will again chunk your work so it is manageable.
top tip: Actively Read
top tip: Actively Read
Taking notes & highlighting as you are reading can break your flow and hamper your learning
Read at least 1 complete paragraph/section and then stop...
Highlight just a few phrases which 'highlight' key ideas which when you revisit could help trigger your memory and help you retrieve your learning
Write questions in the margin which will again encourage you to retrieve your learning when you revisit the text at a later date
Make your notes
Make your notes
Now you are ready to make your notes. How you do this will depend on the subject, task and the instructions your teacher has given you. Find out more about your options here.
Tony buzan
Tony buzan
Tony Buzan is famous for the promotion of the 'mind map', a tool which could help you in your reading. Here he explains how he thinks you should mind map.
Top Tip: Review
Top Tip: Review
your learning is your priority
your learning is your priority
When you have completed your chapter/s reading and your note taking you always want to review your learning. Completing a summary is a good way to retrieve and consolidate your learning as it helps make those schema connections stronger. It can also be helpful to write down your reflections upon your reading. This often makes interesting reading when you revisit it at a later date as you will often find your ideas and thoughts have matured and developed as you have learnt more.
All of the above tips expect you to use your own words. Copying is not just plagiarism it does not help you learn.
to think about...
to think about...
Click the link to read an article that appeared in the Guardian exploring the dangers of skim reading. Reading textbooks cannot just stop at skimming!
Are you a fast or slow reader? Which is best and when? Some great advice from 'Ideas' on the BBC for you to view.
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