Reading and Marking the Textbook Dual Enrollment Psychology
Tips for Reading the Text Pre-Read To activate prior knowledge Read To gain a full understanding Organize To logically arrange ideas for later studying Review To prepare for exam
Pre-Read… Chapter objectives Chapter contents Subheadings Chapter Review Key Terms Questions Summary Illustrations, charts, figures, etc.
Read… ACTIVELY read the chapter Highlight Underline Take margin notes
Organize… Create concept maps Especially for visual learners! Construct summary charts Devise a brief outline of the chapter To get the “bigger picture” Write out flash/note cards
Review… Develop a study plan Complete practice/study guide questions Read chapter summary Page through the chapter again Focus on any unclear concepts Pay attention to highlighted items and margin notes
More Review… Develop mnemonics as needed Review flash cards Compare class notes to chapter concepts Ask questions of classmates and instructor Set up a study group
Marking the Textbook Why mark the textbook? Something to do for “hands-on” learners Requires constant thinking Improves comprehension Allows a more thorough review prior to the exam
Develop a Set of Symbols Underline or check mark main ideas Circle vocabulary terms Bracket or box related ideas Number or letter items that are part of a list Use arrows for cause and effect
More Symbols… Use appropriate punctuation and other marks: !Important point ?Not sure +Positive/Advantage -Negative/Disadvantage
A few final guidelines for textbook marking… Finish reading the paragraph before marking. Use your own words in the margin. Be selective. Be brief. Be quick. Be neat.