Teachers make a strong recommendation that if you want to succeed in their classes, you’ll have to do the reading. From English to history to science, reading that textbook seems like a surefire way to success. While it’s true that staying on top of your reading could only help you, both you and your teachers knew that sometimes it would take more than a few sessions with your textbook to earn that A.
Many times teachers and professors assign reading and then do a lecture on the subject matter. If you did your reading and have a nice preview, you’ll probably pick up the material faster than if you were seeing it for the first time. The textbook, of course, also gives you a nice guide for review. Since there are so many facts squeezed into those pages, take some notes or use that handy highlighter when you’re doing your reading to make review much easier.
Sometimes, especially if it’s a rather densely written book, it’s best to try other books on the same subject. Whether it’s an art history class or a math class, there are probably whole books on a subject that your textbook dedicates only one chapter to. This doesn’t mean you’ll have to read a whole book just to grasp it, but that book might be more reader friendly and understandable. So use it to better understand what’s in your textbook.
Thankfully we don’t have to rely entirely on books for independent learning. Facing a tough subject or topic? Google it! You know which sites and facts are credible. College is one big chance to use those skills. As much as some professors shun Wikipedia and other sites, you can’t deny that they take complex material and distill it down to something understandable. Just don’t become one of those suckers who downloads whole essays and changes a few words around before handing it in! That’s crossing the line from looking for more help to cheating.
Don’t forget about sites like YouTube. Until we reach the day when all textbooks are digital, feel free to scope out a video or two on the subject that you’re trying to understand. A video or slideshow can be a big help.
Chances are that if you’re having trouble comprehending a subject, so are some other classmates. Your professor’s door should be open at least a couple times a week for some extra review, and don’t forget about asking other students! Sometimes fellow students can explain things better than professors. While they may not have the same wealth of knowledge, other students can explain something from a different point of view, often a simpler point of view that’s more easily understandable.
— Keith Gillogly, DormCo
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