Steps In Reading A Textbook Chapter

 The recommended method for reading a textbook chapter involves using the three-step procedure below.

STEP 1: PREREADING (Before Your Read). Use one or more of the following strategies before you actually begin reading the chapter.

• Preview 
  
  Read the chapter title, outline, objectives and/or focus questions, and summary if provided. Then, for the first major section of the chapter, read the boldface heading, subheadings, boldface words, and visual aids.
  
  (Note: Textbook authors usually organize chapter information in outline form. First, there are large boldface headings indicating the major topics in the chapter. Then each major topic is often broken down into subtopics which are indicated by a change in the size and/or color of the print under the heading. Use the author's outline to guide your reading.)
  
  
• Activate Your Background Knowledge
  

  Use what you already know as a basis for learning new information. As you're previewing, think of previous knowledge and/or experiences you've had about the topics in the chapter. Keep in mind, though, that in some instances your background knowledge may be inaccurate and need to be corrected.
  
  

• Formulate Questions  
  

  Become curious about some of the information you looked at while previewing and think of questions you would like to have answered as you read. 

STEP 2: WHILE YOU READ. Use these strategies when you begin reading the chapter.

• Focus on Major Headings, Subheadings, and Main Ideas
  
  Pay particular attention to the breakdown of a major heading into subheadings. Then, as you read the paragraphs under the subheading, look for the main idea in each paragraph. It's usually a broad or general statement and is often found in the first or second sentence of the paragraph. After locating the main idea in each paragraph, look for the details that discuss it. Details might include a description, reasons, examples, or facts (e.g. statistics). If you become lost in the details, refer back to the main idea and the heading above it.
  
  
• Note the Organizational Pattern(s) of Information 
  
  Authors often organize their ideas by using words such as "first, second, next" to show a listing pattern; "on the other hand" to indicate a compare/contrast pattern; "therefore" to identify a cause/effect pattern. Since these words structure the information for you and enable you to anticipate what might follow, consciously look for them as you read. Common organizational patterns along with "signal words" that will help you recognize each pattern are:
  
  
  • Listing: first; second; then; also; next; another; finally.
  • Compare/Contrast: on the other hand; however; likewise; similarly; in contrast.
  • Problem/Solution: the problem is; the solution is. 
  • Sequence: first; next; last; then; finally.
  • Cause/Effect: as a result; because; consequently; therefore; thus.
    
    (Note: Consider highlighting or circling signal words when you encounter them.)
    
    
• Mark Your Text 
  
  Marking your textbook allows you to actively interact with the material you're reading. If done correctly, it can help you identify important information when reviewing later. Below are three methods of marking your text.
  
  Highlight/Underline: Be selective about which information you highlight, highlighting only the main idea of a paragraph and supporting details (if necessary). Use no more than two colors - one for the main idea and another one for the details if desired.
  
  Write Marginal Notes: In the margin next to a paragraph, write a word, phrase, or question that refers to the main idea of the paragraph. Another option is highlighting the main idea and writing supporting details or abbreviations in the margin. Abbreviations might include: "def" - definition; "ex" - example; "sum" - summary. 
  
  Annotate Using Symbols: Write a symbol in the margin opposite a paragraph to indicate your reaction to the information you're reading, Some examples include:
  
  
  • "T" - possible test question
  • "RR" - reread later
  • "*" - important information
  •  "?" - confusing
  • "L" - mentioned in lecture. 

STEP 3: POST READING (After You Read). Use these strategies after you've completed reading the chapter.

• Review
  
  When you've completed the chapter, or even a section of the chapter, review immediately. Preview the chapter or section(s) again, paying particular attention to the breakdown of major headings into subheadings. Also note boldface or italicized words and the parts of the text that you marked. Read the summary if one is provided. In addition to an immediate review, it's important to review periodically (about once a week) to keep the information fresh in your mind. The more exposure you have to the information, the more likely you will remember it at a later date.
  
  
• Reflect
  
  Think about the main points of what you've read, information you don't understand, and the relationship of the new information to previously learned information and/or your own life. Be aware of information you don't understand and seek help if necessary.

Susan Ziegert, University of Wisconsin – Waukesha, Steps in Reading a Textbook Chapter