Active reading is a catalyst for critical thinking skills.  It improves problem solving as well.  It can be combined with notetaking strategies, improving retention and understanding of conceptual knowledge.

• Before reading strategies
  • Ask “What is the topic?”
  • Identify what you already know about the topic.
  • Define unfamiliar words.
• During reading strategies
  • Find the main idea/theme.
  • Put down the highlighter.
  • Write comments in the margins instead.
• After reading strategies
  • Write a summary in your own words.
  • Create questions based on the reading.
  • Talk about what you learned to someone else.