Before you start

Preview the chapter

• Skim the section
  
• Read the headings and any vocabulary that appears in boldface print
  
• Look at all of the charts, graphs, diagrams, and illustrations
  
• Read the introduction
  
• Read the summary
  

NOW YOU HAVE CREATED A ROADMAP FOR THE INFORMATION
YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING!!

As you read:

• Turn each heading into a question before you start to read – this makes reading an active process – it gets your brain involved. In addition, boredom and freedom tend to disappear when you’re busy finding answers.
  
• Read each section to answer the question you have created – ignore all of the ‘fluff’ of the paragraph
  

Example:

Turn the heading Types of Bone Growth into the question what are the types of bone growth and how are they different?

Read the section – looking for the important information – without marking in the text first

Next, go back, and highlight or underline the important information – highlight ONLY the important information – key terms and main ideas. If you find that the entire section is highlighted, you are having trouble picking out the main points.

Write key terms and main ideas (in abbreviated form) in the margins. These notes create signals for reviewing.

Remember – When you read with a pen or highlighter in your hand, you are involving another mode of perception, your kinesthetic sense – that is, your sense of touch and motion – this helps build neural pathways in your memory.

Pay attention to your attention. When you notice your attention wandering, gently bring it back to the present.

• One way to stay in the here and now is to make tick marks on scrap paper every time you notice your mind wandering. There will probably be a lot of tick marks at first. As you keep paying attention to your attention, the number of tick marks will decrease.
  
• If there is something that is continually interfering with your concentration, write it down on your “to do” list. This might free your mind to deal with the task at hand.
  

Avoid marathon-reading sessions. Use shorter periods of reading sessions distributed throughout the day and week. Give yourself frequent breaks.

If the material is especially difficult, try reading it out loud.

After you read:

• Recite
  
  
• Talk to someone about what you have read.
  
  
• Form a study group and practice teaching each other what you have learned
  
  
• Share the reading
  
  
• Review
  

Try to review the information within 24 hours of reading it. This will help to move material from short-term memory into long-term memory.

During this review, look over your notes and clear up anything you don’t understand. Recite some of the main points again.

 This first review is short – maybe just 15 minutes.

 Try to review each reading assignment each day. This review is even shorter – maybe five minutes per assignment. The purpose is to move material from short-term memory into long-term memory. In addition, these reviews will help you organize the material so that it is easier to retrieve.