Reading a school textbook is very different than reading a novel or any other type of book. You will need to develop a strategy in order to get the most from your studying. To learn how to read a textbook the proper way, look over the steps in this guide.

Textbooks are dry and factual, and can be difficult to understand. You need to approach them differently than other types of reading materials in order to maximize retention. Don't worry about absorbing all of the words from cover to cover -- what you are concerned about here is retaining key points and ideas.

Before you begin to read, look over the chapter. Note the headings, bold or highlighted ideas, and any definitions. These will clue you in to the most important ideas in the section. Make quick mental notes of points that are stressed, or ideas that you feel matter most. If there is a chapter test, give it a once-over to help determine what the author believes the key points to be.

Don't be a passive reader! Have a pen and paper handy to jot down notes as you go. When you finish a section or paragraph, summarize it in your head or on paper. What did you just read? What are the implications? What was important about it?

Don't be afraid to write in your book. It is often helpful to have notes there when you go back to study. Just be sure to use pencil if you plan to sell your textbook at the end of the term!

When you are done reading, think about what you just read. Extract the key elements and most relevant pieces of information, and write them down if you haven't yet. If there are questions at the end of the chapter, take the time to answer them to make sure that you have a thorough understanding of what you have read.