Reading Textbooks

Previewing and Predicting

WATCH: 

In this video, you will learn about the reading strategy known as previewing and predicting.

KEY POINTS:

  • Read the title, headings, and subheadings
  • Look at pictures, graphs, tables, and other figures
  • Ask yourself what you already know about the topic
  • Ask yourself what you think you will learn in the reading

PRACTICE:

  1. Preview Chapter 4 of Psychology 2e (Spielman, et al., 2020)
  2. Answer these questions:
    • What do you already know about states of consciousness?
    • What do you think you will learn from reading the chapter?

Active Reading

WATCH: 

In this video, you will learn how to actively (or closely) read a text by focusing on bold text and signal phrases and by asking questions.

KEY POINTS: 

  • Look for bold text and signal phrases
  • Highlight important points and key terms
  • Write down important points and the definitions of key terms
  • Rewrite learning objectives and/or headings into questions
  • Summarize the reading by answering the questions 

PRACTICE:

  1. Actively read Section 4.3 of Psychology 2e, highlighting and taking notes as you read.
  2. Answer the following questions:
    • How are REM and non-REM sleep different?
    • What are the differences between the three stages of non-REM sleep?
    • What role do REM and non-REM sleep play in learning and memory?

Studying the Reading

WATCH:

In this video, you will learn in greater detail how to annotate, take notes, and study a text. It builds off of the previous video (Part 2: Active Reading) by providing more explicit instructions for note taking, and also explains how to study what you have read.

KEY POINTS:

  • Look for signal phrases to guide your note taking
  • Write definitions of key terms in a notebook or on flashcards
  • Write down thoughts or questions you have as you read
  • Recite aloud what you have learned
  • Quiz yourself
  • Make connections between readings and lectures
  • Review frequently

PRACTICE:

Read section 4.4 of Psychology 2e. Annotate, take notes, and write down the definitions of key terms.

Additional Resources