Work Smart, Not Hard:
Textbook Tips for Your Next Study Session
Start
Why is using a textbook so hard?
Using a textbook efficiently can be a challenge.
This module can help!
- Get used to your e-textbook's navigation.
- Learn about textbook formatting and structure.
- Learn to read actively and minimize distractions.
- Tips for using your textbook as a tool rather than as a book.
Next
Interacting with a Textbook
Click the boxes below to reveal strategic tips to get started using your textbook efficiently.
An unlikely textbook interaction.
DO
(click to reveal)
DON'T
(click to reveal)
- Read every word, like a novel.
- Skip the introduction.
- Highlight as you read.
- Skip the summary at the end.
Do...
Don't...
- Familiarize yourself with your textbook's navigation.
- Read introductions and summaries.
- Review headings, subheadings, and bolded terms to make an outline.
- Review charts and illustrations for supporting information.
Next
Your Textbook's Navigation
Familiarize yourself with the textbook's interface.
Not every textbook is the same.
Your textbooks may be provided in a variety of platforms. Before you begin your course, click around in your textbook to learn how to navigate to the:
- Table of Contents
- Chapters or sections
- Individual Pages
- Index
Next
Learn to navigate one of the common textbook interfaces.Hover over the icons to learn more about textbook navigation.
Try It!
Begin
Next
Example Textbook
Open me!
Chapter Structure
Many textbooks are formatted similarly, organizing the main ideas into chapters, headings, and subheadings.
Click the textbook to look inside for an example.
Next
How to Read Efficiently
Use what you know about chapter formatting to read more efficiently.Click the tiles below to learn more about how to prioritize your reading:
Introduction and Summary
Bolded Terms
Headings and Subheadings
Next
Make an Outline
After reading the Introduction, Headings, and Summary, make an outline. Write down every heading/subheading. Use the headings and subheadings to form questions. As you skim the sections, answer the questions you asked in your outline. Pay closer attention to the opening sentences of each section.
Learn more: Why write instead of type?
Next
Common Pitfalls
Textbook users frequently fall into common traps that hinder their learning. Click the symbols in the image to view solutions to these common pitfalls.
Next
Remember:
Not every textbook will look or function the same. Get acquainted with YOUR textbook and apply the skills learned in this module based on its navigation and formatting.
Need Help?
Check out the Maryville Tutoring Center for academic assistance.
20XX
Visual content is a transversal, universal language, just like music. We are capable of understanding images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures.
20XX
The visual content is a cross-cutting, universal language, like music. We are capable of understanding images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures.
Subheading 2: Another aspect of the important topic
Chapters often begin with an overview of the material to be covered. Click this section to see what comes next!
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows.
Heading 1: An Important Topic
This is an important topic for this chapter. There are several things that you need to know about this topic, covered in the following subheading sections. Click to see what comes next!
Heading 2: A Second Important Topic
This is another important topic for this chapter. There are several things that you need to know about this second important topic.
Subheading 1: One aspect of the important topic
Subheading 1: One aspect of the second important topic
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows. Click to see what comes next!
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows.
Introduction and Summary
The Introduction and Summary of each chapter introduce and summarize the main ideas of the chapter. Read these short sections closely.
20XX
Visual content is a cross-cutting, universal language, like music. We are capable of understanding images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures.
Headings & Subheadings
Each chapter may have multiple bolded Headings, with smaller subheadings within it. Read every heading and subheading label before you begin reading the content. This will give you an idea of the material that is covered in the chapter.
20XX
Visual content is a transversal, universal language, like music. We are able to understand images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures.
I focus on the wrong things while reading.
Do you read closely, but when the quiz comes you find you've studied the wrong things?
- Pay attention to the first and last sentences of each subheading section. These will set up and summarize the main point of that section.
- Pay attention to the bold terms, and define them in your outline.
- Check for a summary or summary questions at the end of the chapter. Read these closely!
Introduction
Heading 1: An Important Topic
Introduction
Subheading 1: One aspect of the important topic
Headings
Subheading 2: Another aspect of the important topic
Subheadings
Heading 2: A Second Important Topic
Conclusion
Subheading 1: One aspect of the second important topic
Conclusion / Review
I Highlight Too Much
If you highlight as you read a chapter for the first time, you are bound to misinterpret what's important and end up with a very colorful page.Instead:
- Scan the entire chapter for the big ideas (Headings/Subheadings/Bold Terms).
- Take notes on paper (or your outline!)
- Highlight LAST - and only the most direct information pertaining to the big ideas of each section.
I zone out while reading.
It happens to the best of us! Try these things to help you maintain attention:
- Use the outline method to read actively.
- Minimize distractions (like friends, music, or video) to help you maintain focus.
- Take breaks at least every 45 minutes (if not more frequently) to keep yourself refreshed.
Learn more about taking effective breaks.
20XX
Visual content is a cross-cutting, universal language, like music. We are able to understand images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures.
Writing vs. Typing
The act of writing by hand is better for retention than typing.
You are more likely to recall information that you've written by hand than information that you type. Want to learn more?
Check out this article about the benefits of writing notes by hand.
Or this article comparing conceptual understanding: handwritten notes vs. typing
Key Terms
Textbooks often put key terms in bold font. Look for bolded words, and make a note of their definitions.
Subheading 2: Another aspect of the important topic
Chapters often begin with an overview of the material to be covered.
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows.
Heading 1: An Important Topic
This is an important topic for this chapter. There are several things that you need to know about this topic, covered in the following subheading sections.
Heading 2: A Second Important Topic
This is another important topic for this chapter. There are several things that you need to know about this second important topic.
Subheading 1: One aspect of the important topic
Subheading 1: One aspect of the second important topic
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows.
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows.
Using Your Textbook
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Created on September 17, 2024
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Transcript
Work Smart, Not Hard:
Textbook Tips for Your Next Study Session
Start
Why is using a textbook so hard?
Using a textbook efficiently can be a challenge.
This module can help!
Next
Interacting with a Textbook
Click the boxes below to reveal strategic tips to get started using your textbook efficiently.
An unlikely textbook interaction.
DO
(click to reveal)
DON'T
(click to reveal)
Do...
Don't...
Next
Your Textbook's Navigation
Familiarize yourself with the textbook's interface.
Not every textbook is the same.
Your textbooks may be provided in a variety of platforms. Before you begin your course, click around in your textbook to learn how to navigate to the:
Next
Learn to navigate one of the common textbook interfaces.Hover over the icons to learn more about textbook navigation.
Try It!
Begin
Next
Example Textbook
Open me!
Chapter Structure
Many textbooks are formatted similarly, organizing the main ideas into chapters, headings, and subheadings.
Click the textbook to look inside for an example.
Next
How to Read Efficiently
Use what you know about chapter formatting to read more efficiently.Click the tiles below to learn more about how to prioritize your reading:
Introduction and Summary
Bolded Terms
Headings and Subheadings
Next
Make an Outline
After reading the Introduction, Headings, and Summary, make an outline. Write down every heading/subheading. Use the headings and subheadings to form questions. As you skim the sections, answer the questions you asked in your outline. Pay closer attention to the opening sentences of each section.
Learn more: Why write instead of type?
Next
Common Pitfalls
Textbook users frequently fall into common traps that hinder their learning. Click the symbols in the image to view solutions to these common pitfalls.
Next
Remember:
Not every textbook will look or function the same. Get acquainted with YOUR textbook and apply the skills learned in this module based on its navigation and formatting.
Need Help?
Check out the Maryville Tutoring Center for academic assistance.
20XX
Visual content is a transversal, universal language, just like music. We are capable of understanding images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures.
20XX
The visual content is a cross-cutting, universal language, like music. We are capable of understanding images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures.
Subheading 2: Another aspect of the important topic
Chapters often begin with an overview of the material to be covered. Click this section to see what comes next!
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows.
Heading 1: An Important Topic
This is an important topic for this chapter. There are several things that you need to know about this topic, covered in the following subheading sections. Click to see what comes next!
Heading 2: A Second Important Topic
This is another important topic for this chapter. There are several things that you need to know about this second important topic.
Subheading 1: One aspect of the important topic
Subheading 1: One aspect of the second important topic
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows. Click to see what comes next!
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows.
Introduction and Summary
The Introduction and Summary of each chapter introduce and summarize the main ideas of the chapter. Read these short sections closely.
20XX
Visual content is a cross-cutting, universal language, like music. We are capable of understanding images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures.
Headings & Subheadings
Each chapter may have multiple bolded Headings, with smaller subheadings within it. Read every heading and subheading label before you begin reading the content. This will give you an idea of the material that is covered in the chapter.
20XX
Visual content is a transversal, universal language, like music. We are able to understand images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures.
I focus on the wrong things while reading.
Do you read closely, but when the quiz comes you find you've studied the wrong things?
Introduction
Heading 1: An Important Topic
Introduction
Subheading 1: One aspect of the important topic
Headings
Subheading 2: Another aspect of the important topic
Subheadings
Heading 2: A Second Important Topic
Conclusion
Subheading 1: One aspect of the second important topic
Conclusion / Review
I Highlight Too Much
If you highlight as you read a chapter for the first time, you are bound to misinterpret what's important and end up with a very colorful page.Instead:
I zone out while reading.
It happens to the best of us! Try these things to help you maintain attention:
Learn more about taking effective breaks.
20XX
Visual content is a cross-cutting, universal language, like music. We are able to understand images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures.
Writing vs. Typing
The act of writing by hand is better for retention than typing.
You are more likely to recall information that you've written by hand than information that you type. Want to learn more?
Check out this article about the benefits of writing notes by hand.
Or this article comparing conceptual understanding: handwritten notes vs. typing
Key Terms
Textbooks often put key terms in bold font. Look for bolded words, and make a note of their definitions.
Subheading 2: Another aspect of the important topic
Chapters often begin with an overview of the material to be covered.
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows.
Heading 1: An Important Topic
This is an important topic for this chapter. There are several things that you need to know about this topic, covered in the following subheading sections.
Heading 2: A Second Important Topic
This is another important topic for this chapter. There are several things that you need to know about this second important topic.
Subheading 1: One aspect of the important topic
Subheading 1: One aspect of the second important topic
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows.
The most important thing you need to know about this aspect of the important topic. Perhaps a key term in bold print with its definition. Backup evidence follows.