Kristy Kolzow
Take the textbook study
method inventory to find out.
How did you do?
Uncover the mystery to
reading like a pro.
Myths Uncovered
You do NOT have to
read every word.
You may have to read
more than once.
It IS okay to skip
parts of the text.
Force yourself to read
faster.
Concentrate and
comprehend.
Your eyes are fine,
it’s your brain
slowing you down.
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Scan the preface or introduction
Scan the table of contents
Scan the index, glossary, and other material
at the back of the book
Scrutinize study questions, guides and other
helps
Scan chapter headings, sectional headings
and items in the margin
Examine maps, pictures, charts, diagrams
and tables
Academic Skills Center, Dartmouth College 2001
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Divide the chapter into sections
Space out your reading
Use the chapter headings to make questions
Take notes as you read
Stop to monitor your comprehension
◦ ARE YOU GETTING IT?
Adapted from Orientation to College
Learning

ISWAM
◦ During Lecture

SCROL
◦ While Reading

TASSEL
◦ Staying on Task
Information about these strategies is available
in your handouts.
Academic Skills Center, Dartmouth College 2001
How to pass the test successfully.
Say to yourself “Where did I see this
information?”
Picture what you read.
Organize in your mind all your study aids.
Remember to “dump” information (fill the
margins).
Tell yourself to go back to the “dumped”
info.
Have we solved the mystery??
Now use the clues you have been given to read your textbooks like a pro.
How to better
understand what
you read.

Understanding metaphors
◦ Using comparisons
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Read with purpose
◦ FIRST
◦ Read the outline
◦ Read the summary questions

Increase vocabulary
◦ Look over vocabulary list for the chapter

Read aloud
◦ Good for ALL learning styles
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Translate the information into simple
language
Jot down notes
◦ As you read the text
*Tricks from Trenna Sue Hiler
Reasons to read outside of the classroom.
Higher GPA, more general knowledge, and
higher intelligence.
Enhanced smarts.
Allows your mind to shift gears.
Reduces stress.
Makes you sit still, be quiet and relax.
Greater tranquility.
Readers have more general knowledge and can
spot patterns which increases analytical
thinking.
Improved analytical thinking.
The more you read, the more words you will
see and learn.
Increased vocabulary.
Increased vocabulary and critical thinking
makes forImproved
a better
writer.
writing
skills.
How do we read?
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Newspaper
Travel brochure for interest

Running the eyes over quickly,
to get the gist.
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Newspaper
The telephone directory
A train timetable
Travel brochure for a resort

Looking for a particular piece
of information.
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A novel
Poem
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Longer texts for pleasure and
needing global understanding.
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Text in class
Postcard
Recipe
Travel brochure for detail

Shorter texts, extracting
specific information, accurate
reading for detail.