Academic Resource Center
"Difficulty
is a severe instructor."
Edmund Burke
"I Don't Know Where To Begin"
"I've Got So Much To Study, And So Little Time"
"This Stuff Is So Dry, I Can't Even Stay Awake Reading It"
Sound familiar? If so, you're not alone. But there is help; below are some suggestions to help you get through that difficult reading material.
Where
to Begin:
Choose one chapter or part of a chapter
to begin. Scan the section for titles, headings,
sub-headings, and topic sentences to get a grasp
of how the section is organized. Look at any graphs,
charts, and diagrams. Read the summary at the
end of the chapter, if there is one. Check the
beginning or the end for questions or exercises.
If you've done all this, you already have an idea of what the section is about and what is important in that section. Now read it - yes, you do have to read it. But don't stop when you get to a difficult part; sometimes things get clearer the more you read. Mark sections that are difficult (maybe with a big "?") and come back to them.
I
Don't Have Enough Time:
Have you ever skipped chapters and readings
because you simply didn't have the time? We know
it happens to everyone. It's important to start
early, so that you don't end up cramming. Cramming
is not an effective substitute for reading, but
if you're in a pinch, do the following:
• survey the syllabus, reading material (including chapters) and notes
• read all the material in italics or bold print - they're usually important terms or concepts; know them
• review pertinent quizzes
• identify the most important topics and the areas you still do not understand
• concentrate on the areas you're unclear about; don't spend time on things you already know
• prepare for essays (if you have the topics) by writing an outline and a practice essay (how much time you spend depends on how much value they'll have on the test)
Boooooorrrrrring
Material:
Have you ever noticed that when
you sit in the front of the class you get more
out of it? That's because you're forced to pay
attention and interact. It's the same with reading
material that you may not find interesting. Force
yourself to interact with the material. Here's
how:
• ask yourself questions as you read
• write questions in the margins (use these questions later to study)
• underline key ideas or terms
• take notes as you read (this is not the same as rewriting the material word for word. If that's what you're doing, don't bother!)
• stop after every section and summarize it outloud; if you can't, read it again
Would you like more help with reading? Call the Academic Resource Center at 740-5060 for an appointment with Rita Eisen or Chris Zielinski.