HOW TO READ and WATCH VIDEOS SUCCESSFULLY

The purpose for reading in this course:

• to take away specific information on a particular week’s topic

• to get an overview of the text
• to identify the key arguments/claims
• to relate new content to existing knowledge
• to learn something

Strategies differ from reader to reader. Here are the basics:

• See the response questions (on the syllabus) and use them as guidelines when you
read and watch videos
• Take notes and connect the text to what you already know about the topic
• Summarize the text in your own words in an outline, concept map, or matrix (use
the double entry reading journal template)
• Identify and reread difficult parts of the text and re-watch difficult parts of the
video
• Take breaks

HOW TO TAKE NOTES

• Make sure you comprehend the content of the lectures and think while listen.
• Listen again and compare your notes with lectures to enhance the depth of your
comprehension.
• Create a list of remaining questions. Sometimes, even when you read and check
against lectures and discussions in sections, questions remain. Raise those
questions to your instructors during office hours.