Reading, Reading, and More Reading!

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the amount of reading you are required to do for one (or all!) of your classes?  Depending on the types of classes that you are taking this semester and those required for your major, you may find that the amount of reading required is more than you initially expected.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your reading assignments.

• Cramming is never a good idea.  It does not work well in writing papers.  It does not work well in studying for exams.  And it does not work well in reading.  Allowing time for comprehension of the material, whether it relates to history, art, or science, is essential.  If you read textbooks in parts and pieces, you are more likely able to understand the material and recall it at essential times (like exams!).  It all goes back to good time management.  If you can read a little bit day by day, you will not end up having to spend all night reading to "catch up".
  
• Be an active reader.  Take notes.  Look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary.  Underline and highlight important information.  Depending on your own learning style, you may want to create note cards, write sample questions to quiz yourself, or participate in study groups that review the text together.
• Focus.  Multitasking may be a good idea in theory, but not in practice.  Small distractions can easily take away from your comprehension of the text.  Find a place to read where you are free of distractions.  That may be a good study nook in the library or on the quad, but it may also involve unplugging yourself from your phone!  You want to not only SEE the words on a page but actually read and understand those words.
• Get help from the Learning Center in North Quad 350.  Success Strategies tutors are available to help you with reading comprehension strategies, concentration/memory skills, note taking, and time management.  You can schedule an appointment with a tutor by visiting www.bsu.edu/learningcenter.