When reading

Instead of just reading and being done with it, make sure you’ll remember things better after you finish.

Before reading, look over the article or chapter. Are there cues such as headings/subheadings? Pictures and captions? Bold words? Start out looking at these to get a feel for what the reading is about. If there are pictures and diagrams, what are they for? What do they try to tell you? Is there a question that the reading will help answer for you? If so, keep it in mind while reading.

As you read, take notes. When you come across a unfamiliar words, can you pick up the meaning from context? If not, look it up online; it will only take a moment.

If you’re alone, reading aloud can help. It will slow you down so you don’t rush, and using more senses (touch and hearing) will make it easier to remember later.

When done, summarize what the reading was about. Write down a bulleted list of the most important things.

Do you look at the Table of Contents for your book? You can use it to get an idea of the various topics covered. You should also use the Index to see where confusing terms are first referenced (and defined).

No matter what topic you’re reading on, you can always use Google or Wikipedia to find out more information.