Reading a Math
Textbook, Chapter 6 in Winning at
Math by Dr. Paul Nolting,
1. Skim
the assigned reading material.
2. Circle
the new words that you do not understand.
3. Put
all your concentration into reading.
4. When
you get to the examples go through each step.
5. Mark
the concepts and words that you do not know.
6. If
you do not clearly understand some words or concepts, develop your own glossary
in the back of your notebook and ask the instructor or tutor for a better
explanation.
7. If you do not understand the
material, follow these eight steps, one after the other, until you do
understand the material:
a. Go back and reread the previous
page.
b. Read ahead to the next page to see
if additional material better explains what you don't understand.
c. Locate and review any diagrams,
examples or rules that explain the material you don't understand.
d. Read the misunderstood paragraph(s)
aloud several times to get a better understanding.
e. Review your math notes over the
misunderstood material.
f. Use another textbook,
computer tutorial or videotaped lecture to get another explanation of the
misunderstood material.
g. Clearly define what you don't
understand and ask your study buddy for help.
h. Contact your math instructor or go to
the Math Lab to ask for help in understanding the material.
8. While
you are reading the textbook highlight the material that is important to you.