Reading Strategies: Reading is a thought process that involves figuring out what is important, what you need to know, and how you will use the information. Asking questions enhances this thought process by focusing your attention on key ideas and the connections among these ideas.


Read with a dictionary. Look up words you do not understand.

Start by becoming familiar with each text. Do a textbook reconnaissance. This can be very short, but find out what is in your text. Do textbook tabbing to make your textbook a useful tool. Try the SQ3R method. Francis P. Robinson, an Ohio State University psychologist, devised this system during World War II. The aim was to help military personnel enrolled in special programs at the university to read faster and to study better.

You may want to write questions in the margins or make notes. If you do not want to write in your text, use post-it notes or stickies. You can even get see through ones to use as highlighters. Make your text your own. Make it a good tool to use for review. Many texts have review sections in each chapter - mark these.

After reading your assignment, do not just close the book. Review in your mind what you have read. Tell it in your own words. Look again at the headings, bold face words, and questions. Make sure you understand and know the concepts. Come up with some possible test questions.

Reading a science text or math text will probably take you longer than reading a history, English, or other type of text. Make sure you understand the examples and diagrams. Ask for help in understanding. Most instructors are more than willing to help.

SQ3R Method

Textbook Tabbing by Eldon McMurray

Web Pages for Reading Strategies

Reading and Note Taking Skills Home Page

Learning Strategies Home Page