Get More Out of Reading Assignments!

Are you getting the most out of your textbooks? Did you know there are “helpers” found throughout your text that can assist you in understanding and retaining the information you’re reading? Let’s take a look at how you can effectively use some of the more common textbook helpers, as well as explore some reading systems that can make you a more successful student overall.

Textbook Features

Textbooks have a number of features that support your learning process, including:

• Learning objectives. Learning objectives explain what you should know after completing a chapter. Always review the learning objectives at the beginning of the reading and again at the end. Reread sections if you feel you have not achieved the learning objectives.
• Key words. Many textbooks highlight and offer definitions of key words or terms. These words and terms will often factor heavily into quizzes and exams. Make sure to know and understand the key words in every reading assignment.
• Chapter outline. A chapter outline lets you preview all of the topics and subtopics included in a chapter to get a sense of how the chapter is structured. Review the chapter outline before reading to understand where you are headed and the way in which the material has been organized.
• Introduction. The introduction paragraph or section describes the aim of the chapter and its main topic. The introduction provides an orientation that helps you enter the content from an informed starting point.
• Tables, charts, graphs, and figures. These items comprise the visual elements of the chapter and are used to illuminate or group relevant information. Study these tables, charts, graphs, and figures carefully to better understand complex ideas.
• Summary. Textbooks often repeat information at the end of the chapter to concisely review major points in the topic.
• Review questions. Review questions at the end of chapters provide an opportunity to test your comprehension. Answer the questions without looking, then go back and check the answers in the body of the text to ensure comprehension.

Take out each of your textbooks and review their features. It is helpful to read the preface or “note to the student,” located in the front, because the author will explain how the textbook is designed and how the student may benefit. These textbook elements all provide great clues as to the most pertinent information; combine them with a “reading system,” and you’ll have a good handle on your reading comprehension.

Reading Systems

Many educators have developed reading systems to help students better comprehend reading assignments. In most systems, there is a preview component, an active reading component, and a review component.

Preview

When you preview your reading, you create a framework from which to view the material and construct your understanding. To preview a reading assign­ment, read all of the headings and subheadings, but not the text. This gives you an idea of the way the chapter is structured and the hierarchy of topics. Next, read the chapter introduction paragraph and the summary. Read the learning objectives, chapter outline, and key words, and then look at each chart, table, graph, or figure in your reading. By the time you fin­ish with the preview, you should have a good idea of the chapter compo­nents, and a context for understanding the details. This practice will greatly improve your comprehension.

Read Actively

When you actively read a textbook, question the author and yourself. Consider these questions: “What is the main point of this paragraph?” “What did I learn from this paragraph?” and “How does this relate to infor­mation I already know?” Active reading can also include note taking, or mapping the reading using a graphic organizer like a mind map or other forms available to you at www.abmp.com.

Review

When you review your reading, test your comprehension of a section and reread it if you are missing information or don’t understand concepts. Practice various review strategies like writing your own 10-question quiz from the material or answering the review questions at the end of the chapter.

Tips for Using ABMP’s Active Reading Form

ABMP’s Active Reading Form provides a structured system for getting the most out of textbooks. Review the sample and download a copy of the form from the Picked Fresh section of this newsletter.

1. Plan Ahead

The top section of the form includes the chapter number, title of the chapter, and the page numbers of the assignment. Research has shown that comprehension begins to drop after 10 pages of textbook reading, so you might plan to read only 10 pages each study session. Plan ahead by counting the pages of reading assignments; some assignments will require multiple study sessions.

2. Mark Pages

Before you start reading, mark the first page of the reading with a paper clip, count 10 pages, and mark the tenth page with a paper clip. Plan to move onto a different study activity after 10 pages of reading. If you must complete more pages, then mark pages 11, 21, 31, and so on with paper clips and take a break every time you reach a new paperclip. This helps you stay motivated to complete your reading assignment.

3. Capture Key Words

Along the left-hand side of the Active Reading Form is a space provided for key words or terms. Scan the 10 pages of reading and highlight any key words or terms. Write them directly into this section of the form. Look up the definitions and add them to the form before you begin reading the chapter. Remember that key words and terms are likely to factor heavily at quiz and exam time.

4. Pre-Reading Checklist

The pre-reading checklist at the top of the form reminds you to pre-read at the beginning of each session so that you achieve the best possible comprehension of the materials. After pre-reading, you should be able to describe in one sentence what the chapter is about.

5. Take it One Heading at a Time

List the first heading just as it is stated in the textbook and read the beginning paragraph. Write the main idea of the paragraph under the heading. Add important notes or details under the main idea. Continue to read in this manner until you have completed 10 pages. By stopping to write out the heading and record the main idea under the heading, you slow yourself down and give yourself time to consider the information.

6. Add Lecture Details

In class, when your instructor covers the material during a lecture or discussion, capture important notes on the right side of the form. Don’t worry if you don’t fill up all the space on the paper. Instead, strive to keep notes brief and clean.

By consistently using a reading system, you will dramatically improve your comprehension of textbook material and your understanding of important topics and subtopics in massage school. You will also build important study materials that will support your efforts when you prepare for your national massage exam.