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Need help from Arts/Social Science students...

DesolateDesolate
edited September 2009 in General
I'm really overwhelmed with all the reading and things to remember, even though I was near the top of my class in high school. What is your preferred method of digesting what you read in textbooks?

I've tried typing up notes on my laptop while I read, but the process is painfully slow and I end up taking far too many notes. I'm considering whether I should just highlight key parts while I read through the text, but I'm one of those people that likes things to look nice... and highlighting a $100+ textbook seems bad to me.

Are either of those two options what you do? If not, can you recommend me some good methods? Much appreciated. :teeth:

Comments

  • hikin
    edited September 2009
    highlight the text book and write in/all over the margins.
  • DesolateDesolate
    edited September 2009
    But what should I be writing in the margins?

    Sorry for being so clueless. D:
  • hikin
    edited September 2009
    definitions, notes, ideas, questions, topics of interest, possible material for future essays and assignments, etc.
  • hikin
    edited September 2009
    also, good/key discussion points for tutorial, keynotes, etc
  • siuying
    edited September 2009
    if you don't like writing or highlighting your textbooks you could always use post it notes and write stuff on there..

    as for remembering stuff.. get familiar with the format of the textbook.. if there's like a chapter summary or key points in the end of each chapter.. read that first before tackling your reading material.. that usually gives you a general idea on what to look out for and what to take notes on.. and then review your notes periodically.. assuming that you take quality notes.. you should do fine in the course

    learn to speed read and/or skim through useless stuff.. it's one of the more valuable skills you learn in university.. i find that textbooks these days contain a lot fillers or just go off into detail about things that aren't really relevant.. it may be useful information to know (when you have the time) but when you're on tight schedule or behind in readings.. skimming or even skipping these sections wouldn't hurt you.. (eg: introductions)
  • randomuser
    edited September 2009
    Why are you afraid of writing in or ruining a book you bought? I highlighted the fuck out of my books all the years and still managed to sell each one back as well without a problem.

    As mentioned above, you need to learn how to read books effectively, which is an art in itself. Look for over arching themes, and take a look at the first line of each paragraph then skim along.

    Sometimes you'll miss some stuff that might be tested, but its always just the main ideas that are important. Some profs / classes are just ridiculous though and you are expected to memorize everything or the tiniest studest details. So you can either read it all, all the time, or try to read the important parts and hope that is all that is tested.

    Now that I think of it, highlighting never really did much for me either. Often, I just read things once, then read it all again before the mid term or test, and not stress over the little things.

    Try thinking about what you would test if you were a prof. You don't need to memorize everything just a lot of it...

    Another tip is, figure out what classes want you to know all the little details, and which ones want just the bigger themes, then you can devote your attention appropriately.
  • xxk1nky
    edited September 2009
    I rewrite key points in the form of recipe cards, as well as printing out and colorcoding + highlighting all my notes.
  • DesolateDesolate
    edited September 2009
    Thanks for all the recommendations :)
    I've started highlight the key points in my Poli Sci textbook and I think it's gonna help so, when it's midterm and final time, I can just look for the highlighted key points and, if I need it clarified a bit more, look around the highlighted areas.

    I'm sure I'll get more used to this as time goes along though.
  • edison
    edited September 2009
    i laughed at people saying "i dont want to high light my book or write on it cause it will decrease the re-sell value!"

    -_- I thing highlighting and re-reading is the best method. sometimes if a paragraph is difficult, i will read it a few times, then on the margin i will write a brief summary.

    but imo, do what you think is best, everyone has different methods and it might not work/work for you!

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