Taking Notes From Text Book Reading - Teacher Notes

Many students find that they have difficulty reading textbooks.  This is especially true for subjects that are not personally interesting.  Textbooks do not tend to be written in an entertaining format; therefore, it is important that students utilize techniques that can help them overcome these obstacles in order to better understand and retain information from academic material.

I.                   PREPARATION FOR READING

A.     Attitudinal

1. Motivation

2. Positive expectations

3. Realistic views of time and effort

B.     Physiological

1. Sufficient sleep/rest

2. Regular exercise

3. Proper nutrition

C.     Environmental

1. Minimal noise/visual distraction

2. Sensible comfort

3. Consistency in location

II.                ACTIVE READING

1. Underline or highlight

2. Summarize

3. Outline

4.  "Association"

5. SQ3R

SQ3R METHOD

The SQ3R method for reading textbooks was developed by Francis P. Robinson. It is an active system that maximizes the effectiveness of reading and note-taking skills.  This popular technique has proven to be very successful throughout the educational systems, in grades K through college.

I.     Survey

Determine the structure, organization, or plan of the chapter.  Details will be remembered because of their relationship to the total picture.

1. Think about the title.  Guess what will be included in the chapter.

2. Read the introduction/objectives.  The main ideas will help you understand or make sense of details.

3. Read the main-headings and boldface type.  Here are the main ideas.  Determine where in the sequence or ideas each one fits.

4. Read the summary.  Here is the relationship among the main ideas.

5. Read the questions at the end of the chapter sections and at the end of the chapter.  These will help you to identify important parts of the chapter.

II. Question

1. Form questions by changing main headings and sub-headings to questions. 

Take one section at a time.

Example: If a sub-heading was Incomplete Dominance your question might be - What is incomplete dominance and give and example?

2. Write the question on a sheet of paper.  Keep it brief.

III. Read

1. Read only that section, looking for the answers to your questions. 

2. Sort out ideas and evaluate them. 

3. Look at the pictures/graphs/charts and read the captions.  This is a good source of examples and visuals help to cement the information in your mind.

IV. Recite/Write

1. Answer the questions out loud in your own words.

2. Write the answers using only key words/facts or lists that are needed to recall the entire idea.

FOLLOW THE ABOVE PLAN FOR EACH SECTION OF THE CHAPTER

V. Review

Increase retention and cut cramming time by 90% by means of immediate review and delayed review.  To do this:

1.  Read your written question(s), keep the answers covered. (a divided page set up works well for SQ3R)

2. Try to recite the answer.  If you can't, look at your notes.

3. Review a little each day until you know the material.

It is important to give the method a fair trial.  It may be slow at first, but as the skill is developed, the study time is reduced and learning becomes easier.