How to Engage with Your Reading

by Rachel

The semester has started, and I don’t know about you all, but for me it feels like we’ve jumped right in full throttle. One of the aspects of being back in class that is always the most difficult to adjust to (for me at least) is to tackle all the reading for my courses. There are a few rules that I go by when reading for class so that I don’t get overwhelmed and also so that I can retain/remember what I’ve been reading.

  1. Don’t try to rush through your reading. There’s this thing called speed reading, but I am not one of those people who can read through dense material quickly. What I suggest is just trying to get as most of the reading done as you can, but realize that you might not get through all of it, and that’s ok! Don’t try to read through everything in one sitting, just do small 20 minute chunks, so that you don’t become burned out.
  2. As you read stop after every paragraph and write a one sentence summary in your notes or in the margins of what you’re reading so that you’ll remember what you’ve read.
  3. Don’t highlight. Highlighting looks overwhelming, for me at least, and it can’t be undone, so I’d just use other methods (listed next!). I would underline text that you find important (with a pencil) so that the bright colors don’t become overwhelming.
  4. I would always take notes with a pencil because there might be something later in the reading that might make you change your mind and pencils are much more forgiving.
  5. Look up some of the words/concepts that you’re struggling with and know are important. It might take a while, but it will help you prepare for class. Don’t worry about every single word, but do this for the key words/concepts that are being repeated throughout your reading.
  6. Write all the questions you think of in the margins or in your notes so that you can ask them when you get to class, or maybe the rest of the reading will answer them!
  7. If you run out of time, read the headers of the sections or focus your energy on what you just read and remind yourself so that you can be prepared to ask questions and discuss at least the portions of your reading.

Remember to enjoy yourself and your readings, they might just teach you something!