How To Annotate a Textbook
As you get older, many of the classes you take revolve around both what you learn in class and out of class. The issue with this, however, is that much of the learning out of class is not nearly as substantive or effective as during the school day, especially when this learning comes solely from a textbook. Though boring, textbook reading is still an essential skill to do well in school, so here are some things you can do to get better at it ⬇️
Highlighting
When reading, it can become very tempting to highlight anything and everything with the potential for educational value. But, if you highlight everything, you likely won't remember a lot of it. Instead, here are four things you should focus on:
Important terms
Processes
Definitions
Dates
If the paragraph or section doesn't fit into those categories, then it doesn't need to jump off the page right away. Fewer highlights makes the truly important information stand out, and using different colors for each of these categories can help separate key details even more.
Underlining
So what do you do with all the other things that are equally as important? Underline! Longer processes, explanations, and key concepts can all be underlined so that you remember to look back at them, even if they don't take up the biggest portion of your brain. This variety also ensures that you're only marking down the ideas that are truly the most important, instead of everything you think you need.
Writing
No annotation is complete without a note in the margin here or there. Every few paragraphs, paraphrase the information in your own words and write short summaries of main ideas. Pay extra special attention to examples or ideas you'd like to expand on. Remember, notes never have to be long; just having a few is enough to help remember content.
Tabbing
Even after you leave the pages of a textbook, marking items is just as important, and this can be done with sticky notes or tabs. On the top, tab chapters and sections, focusing on the big picture instead of smaller details. Then, on the side, tab key topics and other things you don't want to forget. This could even be where you make your annotations.
The best part about this process is that it keeps you occupied when reading in a way that stalls boredom. And, when you're actively engaged, you're more inclined to remember content later on. So, take notes, highlight responsibly, and, if you liked this, check out our other posts below or in the Blog page.
