Page 148 - Keys To Community College Success

already know?” Look at chapter headings and question what the material might
mean and why it is being presented in this way.
■ Look for order. Use SQ3R and critical reading strategies (explained later in the
chapter) to discover patterns, logic, and relationships. Text cues—how the mate-
rial is organized, outlines, bolded terms, and more—help you anticipate what’s
coming next.
■ Have an open mind. Be careful not to prejudge assignments as impossible, bor-
ing, or a waste of time before you even begin.
■ Plan for multiple readings. Don’t expect to master challenging material on the
first pass. Get an overview of key concepts and basic organization during your
first reading. Use later readings to build understanding, relate information to
what you already know, and apply information. Recall how Gary had to read
assignments several times to succeed.
■ Get help. If material is tough to understand, consult resources including instructors,
study-group partners, tutors, related texts, and websites. Build a library of texts in
your major and minor areas of study and refer to them whenever necessary.

Choose the Right Setting

Where, when, and with whom you study has a significant effect on your success.
■ Locations. Choose settings that distract you least—at home, at a library, out-
doors, in an empty classroom, whatever works. Your schedule may limit your
choices. For example, if you can only study when libraries are closed, you will
probably have to work at home; if you commute, mass transit may be a good
study spot. Evaluate how effectively you focus. If you spent too much time being
distracted at a particular location, try somewhere different.
■ Times. Pay attention to your natural rhythms, and try to read when you tend to be
most alert and focused. For example, night owls tend to be productive when every-
one else is sleeping, but morning people may have a hard time reading late at night.

Learn to Concentrate

5 Even well-written college textbooks may require a lot of focus, especially when you
CHAPTER PRIMARY SOURCES when assignments are from primary sources rather than from secondary sources.
encounter complex concepts and new terms. That kind of focus is also often necessary
When you focus your attention on one thing and one thing alone, you are engaged in
the act of concentration. The following are active learning methods for remaining focused
Original documents,
as you study. Many involve tapping into your emotional and social intelligence.
including academic
journal articles and
■ Deal with internal distractions. When worries come up, such as to-do list items
scientific studies.
for other projects, write them down and deal with them later. Sometimes you may
want to take a break to deal with what’s bothering you. For example, if you are
SECONDARY SOURCES hungry, get a snack; if you lose focus, an exercise break may energize you and
help you concentrate.
Other writers’
interpretations of ■ Take control of technology. Web surfing, emailing, texting, or instant messaging
primary source
can distract you. Plus, forcing your brain to switch back and forth between tasks
documents.
can increase work time and errors. Instead, save technology for breaks or after
you finish your work.
■ Structure your work session. Set realistic goals and a specific plan for dividing your
time. Tell yourself, “I’m going to read 30 pages and then go online for 30 minutes.”
■ Manage family obligations. Set up activities or childcare if you have kids. Tell
your family what your education means to them and to you. Help them under-
stand the importance of uninterrupted study time.
■ Have a break planned. Think of something you would look forward to doing
during your break. You deserve it!

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