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.