Read effectively
Reading at uni isn’t just about getting through the pages, it’s about really understanding what you’re reading and making sense of the big ideas. A few smart strategies can make it easier to stay on top of your study and save time along the way.
Reading at uni is an essential skill, and being purposeful with your reading will help you get more out of it.
Before you start, ask yourself: Why am I reading this? Your reason will guide how you approach the text. Is it:
- background reading before a lecture
- preparation for a tutorial discussion
- research for an assessment task
- just for fun?
Next, note down what you already know and any questions you have. You might know more than you think, and writing it down helps you stay engaged. Being aware of gaps in your knowledge will help you focus on finding new information as you read.
Active reading
Active reading is about questioning what you read as you read it. Adding questions as you read helps you stay focused and makes it easier to connect ideas later. It is also important to reflect on what you have read before putting it away. Consider how the information sits in relation to what you already know, your course material, and other readings you have done on the topic.
Questions to ask yourself
Reading efficiently
To maximise your study time, use these different reading techniques depending upon what kind of text you are working with.