The mission of Eastfield College is to provide excellence in teaching and learning.
Break reading into smaller, more manageable tasks – do not read
a text for more than 45 minutes at a time.
If you are reading a textbook…
| Step | Time | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 seconds | Preview the entire text. What is the title? How are the chapters set up? Does each chapter have an introduction and conclusion? Is there a glossary? Are there self-quizzes? Is there an index? Etc… |
| 2 | 2 minutes | Scan a chapter. Look for the title, subtitles, sub-headings, charts, graphs, pictures, study questions, review, introduction, summary, etc. |
| 3 | 2 minutes | Reflect. What is the main point of this chapter? Name 2-3 major arguments / points made in this chapter. |
| 4 | 15 minutes | Read. Actively read the material, keeping in mind your instructor’s lectures and any class notes on the topic. Do NOT highlight or take notes. Put a small check mark next to important / confusing passages. |
| 4 ½ | 5 minutes | Take a break. Stand up, walk around, grab a cup of coffee – just don’t look at the text! |
| 5 | 2:30 minutes | Reflect on your Reflections. Look over what you wrote down in Step 3 (Reflect). Were you correct about the main points? If not, cross out what you wrote in Step 3 and write the correct information.Look up words you don’t know and write down important vocabulary words. |
| 6 | 15 minutes | Re-read & take notes. Keeping your new Reflections in mind, re-read the chapter looking for answers / support for the main ideas.Pay extra attention to the check-marked passages. If something still doesn’t make sense ask your instructor for clarification. |
| 7 | 15 minutes (2 – 3 days later) |
Review. Get together with a classmate / study group.Write out possible test questions to quiz yourself and others.Make flashcards.Type or re-write your notes. |
Kimberly Osada
Northlake College
Fall 2003