Using Your Textbook

Work Smart, Not Hard:

Textbook Tips for Your Next Study Session

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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.

Do...

Don't...

Click the boxes below to reveal strategic tips to get started using your textbook efficiently.

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(click to reveal)

(click to reveal)

DO

DON'T

• Read every word, like a novel.
• Skip the introduction.
• Highlight as you read.
• Skip the summary at the end.

An unlikely textbook interaction.

• 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.

Interacting with a Textbook

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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

Begin

Try It!

Learn to navigate one of the common textbook interfaces.Hover over the icons to learn more about textbook navigation.

Next

Next

Open me!

Example Textbook

Click the textbook to look inside for an example.

Chapter Structure

Many textbooks are formatted similarly, organizing the main ideas into chapters, headings, and subheadings.

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Bolded Terms

Headings and Subheadings

Introduction and Summary

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:

Next

Learn more: Why write instead of type?

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.

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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.

Check out the Maryville Tutoring Center for academic assistance.

Need Help?

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.

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.

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.

Subheading 1: One aspect of the 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.

Heading 2: A 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.

Subheading 2: Another aspect of the 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!

Subheading 1: One aspect of the 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 1: An Important Topic

Chapters often begin with an overview of the material to be covered. Click this section to see what comes next!

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.

Do you read closely, but when the quiz comes you find you've studied the wrong things?

I focus on the wrong things while reading.

• 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!

Conclusion / Review

Subheading 1: One aspect of the second important topic

Heading 2: A Second Important Topic

Subheading 2: Another aspect of the important topic

Headings

Conclusion

Subheading 1: One aspect of the important topic

Subheadings

Introduction

Heading 1: An Important Topic

Introduction

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 Highlight Too Much

Learn more about taking effective breaks.

It happens to the best of us! Try these things to help you maintain attention:

I zone out while reading.

• 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.

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.

Or this article comparing conceptual understanding: handwritten notes vs. 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.

Writing vs. Typing

The act of writing by hand is better for retention than typing.

Key Terms

Textbooks often put key terms in bold font. Look for bolded words, and make a note of their definitions.

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.

Subheading 1: One aspect of the 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.

Heading 2: A 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.

Subheading 2: Another aspect of the 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.

Subheading 1: One aspect of the 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 1: An Important Topic

Chapters often begin with an overview of the material to be covered.