WATCH:

In this video, you will learn about the reading strategy known as previewing and predicting.

KEY POINTS:
  • Read the title, headings, and subheadings
  • Look at pictures, graphs, tables, and other figures
  • Ask yourself what you already know about the topic
  • Ask yourself what you think you will learn in the reading
PRACTICE:
  1. Preview Chapter 4 of Psychology 2e (Spielman, et al., 2020)
  2. Answer these questions:
    1. What do you already know about states of consciousness?
    2. What do you think you will learn from reading the chapter
WATCH:

In this video, you will learn how to actively (or closely) read a text by focusing on bold text and signal phrases and by asking questions.

KEY POINTS:
  • Look for bold text and signal phrases
  • Highlight important points and key terms
  • Write down important points and the definitions of key terms
  • Rewrite learning objectives and/or headings into questions
  • Summarize the reading by answering the questions
PRACTICE:
  1. Actively read Section 4.3 of Psychology 2e, highlighting and taking notes as you read.
  2. Answer the following questions:
    1. How are REM and non-REM sleep different?
    2. What are the differences between the three stages of non-REM sleep?
    3. What role do REM and non-REM sleep play in learning and memory?
WATCH:

In this video, you will learn in greater detail how to annotate, take notes, and study a text. It builds off the previous video (Active Reading) by providing more explicit instructions for notetaking, and also explains how to study what you have read.

KEY POINTS:
  • Look for signal phrases to guide your notetaking
  • Write definitions of key terms in a notebook or on flashcards
  • Write down thoughts or questions you have as you read
  • Recite aloud what you have learned
  • Quiz yourself
  • Make connections between readings and lectures
  • Review frequently
PRACTICE:

Read section 4.4 of Psychology 2e. Annotate, take notes, and write down the definitions of key terms.

SQ3R reading strategy: A concise handout of the strategies covered in this module.

THIEVES reading strategy: A system for previewing and predicting.

Organizational patterns: Suggestions for how you might format your notes based on the organizational system.

We are always on the hunt for great resources to share with students. If you have one you’d like to recommend, please let us know!

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