Monmouth College
History 112
Spring 2010
How Should You Read Your Textbook?
- When you read a textbook, don't expect to be bored.
Expectations are usually met. Instead, think about why you are reading,
and what the author is trying to get across to you.
- Read sitting at a desk with your feet on the floor. Have a good
light source above your head. Turn off the television,
the music, the instant messenger, the computer.
- Believe it or not, a very fine professor of mine used to swear
that
crossing our legs at the ankles increased concentration. It can't
hurt!
- Read in blocks of information. Read all of one section
at a time. Don't stop in the
middle.
- You probably won't be able to read an entire chapter at a time.
- Read the first time through for comprehension. Make sure you
understand everything--especially cause and effect.
- Take notes on what is important--but take notes topically. Devote a
section of your notebook to civil rights, another to politics, another to
social history, etc.
- The second time through, you should skim. Remind yourself of the big
picture. Look for links among topics, and links across time.
Cause and effect is still important.
- Write out any questions you may have. Bring those you cannot answer
yourself to class.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY----READ EVERY DAY.
Return to History 112 syllabus.
Return to Prof. Cordery's homepage.