How do you guys read your textbooks?

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

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For O-chem I don't read the majority of the book. I take a brief notes of the chapter being presented in lecture BEFORE LECTURE. These include the chapter and name, each section heading name, and each mechanism name + page number. Then I go to lecture. Then I make a neat copy of each mechanism I need to know, referring back to my notes. Then I do a buttload of homework and take the exam.

For my Orgo I and II prof, I had to since his questions were based directly off the textbook and the exams were written like a Biology (although much harder) test.

 

[shoehornlettuce]

I read my textbooks like so:

First, I read the chapter straight through like I would any other book, highlighting anything that jumps out as important that hasn't already been bolded by the authors.

Next, I go through, and then create my own outline of the chapter based on what I need to know for my tests.

I then study my outline.

I got 105% on my last biology exam. 😉

This is exactly what I do. Takes a bit more time but you'll thank yourself when you get your grades back.

 

[mmmmd]

I just learned about the Pomodoro Technique last night and tried it out using a google chrome extension (admittedly, I wasn't reading a textbook but I imagine it'd work for that). It seemed to work pretty well... Anyone else ever try this?

 

[yellowbird12]

I wanted to try that! The Pomodoro Technique
I tend to get distracted a lot..doing other stuff online...

 

[yellowbird12]

By the way reading the headings of each chapter, section, paragraph help a lot. Also reading the first sentence of each paragraph.

 

[tenndoc]

I read mine left to right, front to back, and 1 page at a time

 

[marinera]

I read to myself out loud and draw a flow chart or figure to summarize it after wards. 😀

 

[thisguytony]

Hey guys, I'll try and make this short for you guys and hopefully someone can give me advice on this situation.

Whenever I go to read chapters from my textbook, whether it be from biology, chemistry or even economics, I find myself not being able to focus and having to go back a paragraph or two to re-read what I dazed off on. No I do not play music or have my phone next to me. I'm not around anything that will distract me from my reading. Yet I still can't focus.

I spoke to a few friends and they all said they have the same problem,but the ones who are getting A's just told me "You'll get used to it bro, youll get over it in time, just keep reading"

What should I do? Does anyone here have this problem? Should I just keep reading and eventually I'll get "used to it"?

Thanks for your time guys!

Sounds like ADHD. You may want to look into getting tested for it or talking to a health professional who could prescribe something. I was the exact same way before I was diagnosed and treated for ADHD. Some kids are just lazy and looking for a magic study drug, but if you're doing what you said in your first post, it sounds like you may want to look into your options.

 

[centrigeugle]

I play non-lyrical music very low while I study. If I feel it's distracting me from intense material, I shut it off. Just gauge what you can do by how distracted you feel. I would highly recommend not listening to anything with lyrics, or that has a high tempo. Around 60bpm (classical) is said to be optimal.

This can't be QFT'ed enough. Lyrical music is the bane of my academic existence. Once I get my brain into sponge-up-everything mode, it really does sponge up everything - and musical lyrics are usually more accessible than biochemical pathways.

Test day, it goes something like this:

Hmm, so if we block the flow of electrons from the iron-sulfur cluster complex, then excessive charge should build on... should build on the... on the...

PA PA PA POKER FACE PA PA POKER FACE