Top Study Tip #5: Read the Text Book!
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Reading the textbook is essential for test preparation—teachers test material directly from textbooks, not just PowerPoint slides or lecture notes. Effective textbook studying requires active reading strategies that transform information into memorable, personalized study materials.
Proven textbook study methods:
Read the full textbook chapters: PowerPoints and headings alone provide insufficient depth for exams; actual reading is required for comprehension
Use headings as outline structure: Chapter and section headings identify key topics and create ready-made organizational frameworks for notes
Focus on bolded terms: Bold or italicized vocabulary indicates high-priority concepts teachers will test
Summarize in your own words: Paraphrasing paragraphs into condensed summaries improves retention far more than copying text verbatim
Create materials while reading: Make flashcards and outlines during initial reading to avoid last-minute cramming
Why copying doesn't work: Verbatim copying requires no cognitive processing or understanding. Your brain doesn't engage with or store information effectively through passive transcription.
Active reading technique: As you read each section, (1) identify the main concept from headings, (2) note bolded terms and definitions, (3) write 1-2 sentence summaries of key paragraphs in your own words, (4) create flashcards immediately for essential terms. This process converts passive reading into active learning that produces better test performance.
READ THE TEXTBOOK
It seems almost antiquated but a lot of what the teacher tests comes directly out of the book.
USE THE HEADINGS
When reading the textbook, be efficient and use this time to create outlines and flashcards as you go so that you aren't stuck the night before creating all your study materials! Using the headings can be a great way to understand what is important.
USE THE BOLDED TERMS
They are there for a reason. Use the bolded terms in the book to help guide as to which terms are most essential to memorize for that upcoming test!
TRY TO SUMMARIZE THE INFORMATION IN YOUR OWN WORDS
So many students we work with just copy down the textbook verbatim. Where is the thinking in that! You cannot possibly memorize all of that information. Instead, try to break down the paragraphs into digestible bites!
Do you have a favorite study skill you like? Let us know by emailing us at hello@theladdermethod.com and we will publish it here!
