Whats the best way to understand textbooks?

Question

Reading textbooks in college you need to understand the meaning of what your reading to use the information for tests.

Answer 1

Uh, no, the point is to understand things, which is to say, get an education. Tests are just a way to try to see if you're getting it.

Try to focus on the Big Concepts, and use them to organize the details.

What is this subject for, its purpose? What questions or kinds of questions or kinds of problems does it solve?

What are the concepts, distinctions, and lines of reasoning that are used all the time, that run through the whole field?

Spend you time really understanding those things.

The details will fall into place better.

Don't be afraid to read, and re-read, and go back when you realized you didn't understand an earlier point.

Also, really look at the table of contents, and the other preferatory material -- they give you clues as to the purpose, questions, and basic concepts.

Answer 2

You just answered your own question -- READ the Textbooks! Yes, that IS the answer -- and if you do not know what terms mean -- then LOOK THEM UP in your Dictionary.

DO take notes on the pages that you are reading -- do make outlines of the paragraphs.

Also -- you may be able to take advantage of free programs to improve your study skills at your College Library or Student Services -- JUST ASK about those programs. I know that MY Local College does ADVERTISE these programs in the local paper as well as the Campus Papers, so it is VERY OBVIOUS they want their students to succeed!

Answer 3

read and look-up unknown words