In college, students learn to read textbooks differently than they did in public school. Since more information
is convered in a shorter time than high school, a new method is needed:
First go to the back of the chapter and read the summary. That will help you see the overall information
and help to zero in on areas that you may not have a background in.
Second, study the vocabulary which is usually found in the back of the chapter. Different disciplines use
similar words differently, so it is critical that you learn the proper definitions as given in the text.
Third, study the pictures, read the charts or any examples given in the chapter. This will fortify that
which you have already been exposed to.
Fourth, read the parts of the chapter that you need to for an indepth understanding of areas that you
do not quite understand.
It is best to spread out your chapter study over a week, if possible. This allows you to learn using
"spaced repetition" which is superior to trying to read the whole thing in one setting.
As you age it also is increasingly important that you have a good experience with the learning process.
If you are studying a subject that you do not care for, try eating something pleasant to you while you study. This will tie
a good experience to the learning effort and will result in greater retention.
