How a math textbook is read
is different than how
people are taught how
to read
readers are expected to
go over the material fast
if they don’t get a
word they have to go on
Step 1
skim the reading material
you have to read
read the intro / chapter summary
try to connect new material
to material you already know
step 2 -
while going over material
circle words you don’t understand
step 3
highlight important material that
will be on the test
/ mentioned in the lecture
step 4
When going over examples
go over each step
in the examples
step 5 -
make a note of words /
material you don’t understand
if you understand them u
can erase the marks
if you still don’t understand
then re-read the page
/ look up the material / words
step 7 -
Step 7 - If you do not understand the material, follow these eight points, one after the other, until you
do understand the material
Point 1 - Go back to the previous page and reread the information to maintain a train of thought.
Point 2 - Read ahead to the next page to discover if any additional information better explains the
misunderstood material.
Point 3 - Locate and review any diagrams, examples or rules that explain the misunderstood material.
Point 4 - Read the misunderstood paragraph(s) several times aloud to better understand their meaning.
Point 5 - Refer to your math notes for a better explanation of the misunderstood material.
Point 6 - Refer to another math textbook, computer software program or video tape that expands the
explanation of the misunderstood material.
Point 7 - Define exactly what you do not understand and call your study buddy for help.
Point 8 - Contact your math tutor or math instructor for help in understanding the material.
Step 8 - Reflect on what you have read. Combine what you already know with the new information
that you just read. Think about how this new information enhances your math knowledge. Prepare
questions for your instructor on the confusing information. Ask those questions at the next class
meeting.
By using this reading technique, you have narrowed down the important material to be learned. You
have skimmed the textbook to get an overview of the assignment. You have
carefully read the material and highlighted the important parts. You then added to your notetaking
glossary unknown words or concepts.
Remember: The highlighted material should be reviewed before doing the homework problems, and the
glossary has to be learned 100 percent before taking the test.
https://www.cuesta.edu/student/resources/ssc/study_guides/mathematics/214_math_text.html