How to Read Actively in College
ARTICLE - By R.J. Jenkins
Recognize your strengths and weaknesses as a reader and adapt your approach.
Think about the last thing you were assigned to read. Did you just start at the first word and move forward without much thought? If so, you were likely engaged in passive reading—the way most of us have read for most of our lives. But in college, that won’t cut it. You need to activate your reading to make it more effective and efficient
What is Active Reading?
Active reading is part of active learning. It’s not just about understanding what you read, but also about thinking critically about how you read. It means recognizing your strengths and weaknesses as a reader, adapting your approach, and constantly improving.
Six Ways to Activate Your Reading:
- Know What You’re Reading – A novel and a textbook should not be read the same way. Adjust your approach based on the material.
- Know Why You’re Reading – Are you preparing for an exam? Writing a paper? Reading for discussion? Your purpose should shape your strategy.
- Consider Your Environment – If you’re spending an hour reading but not getting an hour’s worth of reading done, ask yourself why. Time, location, and energy level matter.
- Prime Your Reading – Do a little research, skim the text, or ask someone about it beforehand, especially if it’s difficult. A few minutes of prep work can save you time later.
- Summarize the Big Idea – Take a moment to think about the central themes. Why was this reading assigned? What’s its significance?
- Talk About It – Discuss the reading with a friend, teach someone else about it, or create potential exam questions to test your understanding.
Reading in college isn’t just about getting from the first word to the last—it’s about making your reading work for you. Use these strategies, and you’ll become a more efficient, more engaged, and more successful reader.
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