Reading Your Textbooks Effectively and Efficiently

Reading Your Textbooks Effectively and Efficiently

Many college students discover that there is significantly more to read in college than there was in high school. Students frequently remark that they don't have enough time to read through all of their assignments during the week. However, many students have bad habits and prescribe to reading myths. This page is designed to help you understand reading as an activity and help you become a more efficient and effective reader.

The documents on this page are provided for downloading in Microsoft Word and/or Microsoft Excel format. You will need to have Microsoft Office 97/98, or later, to read and print them.

Reading Myths

Some common reading myths:

• Read every word.
• One reading is sufficient.
• Don't skip passages.
• Machines improve speed.
• A faster rate means less comprehension.

The following documents explain in more detail some misconceptions about reading:

• Six Reading Myths (28K Word)
• Harvard Report on Reading (20K Word)

How to Read Your Texts: The SQ3R Method of Reading

One commonly used approach to reading, which works well for texts, is the Survey, Question, Read, Review and Recite (SQ3R) Method. The main steps are as follows:

• Survey - before you read, scan the titles, headings, pictures and chapter summaries
• Question - actively ask yourself questions as you read such as, what are the key topics in this section/chapter?
• Read - read for comprehension, locate concepts and facts, record and reduce information in the margins
• Review - practice and rehearse the main concepts, reflect on key learnings, anticipate exam questions
• Recite - transfer information to long term memory

For more information on how to use the SQ3R method and other reading techniques, download one of the handouts below:

• SQ3R Method (22K Word)
• Getting to Know Your Texts (23K Word)
• Pivotal Words (22K Word)
• Using Your Textbook (21K Word)
• Vary Your Reading Rate (25K Word)

Where to Read

Where you read is a very important aspect of how you read. Be sure that you read in a place that is quiet, has good lighting and allows you to stay alert. For more suggestions, download the following handout:

• The Reading Environment (28K Word)

Miniversity Course

Improving Reading Speed and Comprehension Speed Reading

Contact Collis Miniversity for more information.