#learn easier

Do you have a problem understanding and remembering what you read in your text books? If so, your problem may not be due to poor reading comprehension or a poor memory. If you lose focus while reading and do not pay attention, then it is impossible to understand and remember what you read. The problem may be inattentiveness.

How can you remedy this problem, get the most from reading, and learn faster, easier, and better? The answer is to become an active reader, not a passive one. A passive learner just reads words without focused attention and without thinking about what he is reading. If you are an active reader you will ask questions and take notes when you read. You will use strategies that make sense out of what you read.

Here are two powerful strategies that you can combine to get the most out of your textbooks.

1. Read a section and ask questions and then;

2. Annotate - write and summarize key ideas in your own words.

If your textbook has enough margin space you can write your questions on the left side and your answers on the right. If there is not enough space you can use your notebook.

Let’s look at the reason for asking questions. We think in questions and answers. When you read a section in your book certain implied questions are answered. Ask questions that were answered by what you read. This practice will engage you with your reading. You will become an active reader and it will help you to stay focused and to understand what you read. And it makes reviewing for your test easier.

The other strategy of using annotation is also powerful, especially when combined with asking questions. Write some brief comments in your own words as if you were explaining the key ideas you just read to a child. Make it simple, understandable, and easy to remember.

Now when you prepare for your test, review your questions on one side and your answers written in your own words on the other side. You can also use these strategies when reading your class notes.

By Raymond Gerson

Raymond Gerson is an adjunct professor of college and career success courses at Austin Community College. He is author of Achieve College Success and Achieve Career Success and trains educators how to teach these strategies.

For more information:

http://www.collegereadinesstraining.com

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