Reading Assignments: Crash Course Study Skills #2

Introduction

Reading assignments can be daunting at the beginning of each semester. This tutorial aims to provide you with effective strategies to manage your reading workload efficiently. By understanding how much you need to read and employing the right techniques, you can enhance your comprehension and retention while minimizing stress.

Step 1: Assess Your Reading Assignments

• Prioritize Your Readings: Determine which assignments are essential for your courses. Not all readings are equally important.
• Check Syllabus Requirements: Review your syllabus for key texts and mandatory readings to focus your efforts.
• Communicate with Professors: If you're unsure about the importance of certain readings, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor for clarification.

Step 2: Develop a Reading Schedule

• Set Clear Goals: Break down your reading tasks into manageable sections. Set daily or weekly goals based on your syllabus.
• Use a Calendar: Mark deadlines and allocate specific times for reading in your calendar to stay on track.
• Be Realistic: Consider your personal schedule and commitments when planning your reading time.

Step 3: Employ Effective Reading Techniques

• SQ3R Method: Use this effective reading strategy:

  • Survey: Skim the text to get an overview.
  • Question: Formulate questions based on headings and subheadings.
  • Read: Read the text actively, seeking answers to your questions.
  • Recite: Summarize key points in your own words.
  • Review: Go over the material to reinforce your understanding.

• Pseudo-Skimming: Practice quick scanning techniques to identify key points without reading every word. Focus on:

  • Titles, headings, and subheadings
  • Bold or italicized text
  • Bullet points and summaries

Step 4: Take Effective Notes

• Use the Morse-Code Method: Develop a shorthand system for note-taking that allows you to capture information quickly.
• Highlight Key Information: As you read, highlight or underline important concepts and terms for easy reference later.
• Summarize After Reading: Write brief summaries of what you've read to reinforce your learning and retention.

Step 5: Review and Reflect

• Regularly Revisit Material: Set aside time to review your notes and summaries periodically to enhance retention.
• Discuss with Peers: Join study groups or discussions to explore different perspectives on the readings.
• Apply What You've Learned: Find opportunities to apply concepts from the readings in your assignments or class discussions.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your reading assignments and improve your study skills. Remember to assess your readings, create a schedule, use effective techniques, take notes, and review regularly. Developing these habits will make your reading more manageable and productive, setting you up for academic success. Consider exploring additional resources and strategies to further enhance your study skills.