Self directed learning skills

Although self-directed learners will often work with a tutor, a large bulk of their learning will take place directly from books and articles. Here is a simple and effective way to ensure that you are getting the most out of your reading efforts.

Plan

Before diving into your textbook and reading it from cover to cover, you should make a scheduled plan that divides the task up into smaller, more manageable chunks. This can be done simply with a pen, highlighter, calendar, and the book's table of contents.

1. Turn to the book's table of contents and highlight the chapters that you are required to read. (If you must read the entire book, you need not highlight the chapters)

2. Looking at your calendar, mark down any set due dates that you already know about - such as assignments and tests - and note the chapters that are required for those dates

3. Still looking at the calendar, decide how many study sessions you will be able to devote to reading before each due date. Jot the number of days down and divide the number of chapters by the number of days. This is how many chapters you will have to read each day

4. Returning to your table of contents write the scheduled reading date beside each of the required chapters and also make a note of the due dates

Now you are organized, so it's time to start reading.

Taking an Overview

Just as athletes need to warm up before running a race, so too do you have to warm up before reading a chapter. By taking an overview of the material you are about to read, you will be able to better understand the material in the end. This is because taking an overview allows you to think about what you already know regarding the topic and start your mind in the right direction. Here is how to take an overview:

1. Read the chapter title
2. Read the chapter introduction, taking minimal notes in the margins if you need to
3. Flip through each page looking at section headings, pictures, tables, captions, and maps
4. At the end of the chapter read the conclusion and summary.

After completing your overview, you will have a clear idea of what the chapter is about and what the main points are. Now is a good time to jot down some goals that you would like to achieve in reading the chapter. This will help you prioritize information as you read and stay on track. Think about information that has stood out to you so far; ask yourself "Has anything sparked my curiosity?"

Reading the Chapter

Now that you are organized and warmed up, it's time to get started with the actual reading. As you read through the chapters take notes in the margins and highlight any key ideas that you may want to return to later. It is also important that as you are reading the chapter you are always mindful of the big picture you gained in the overview.

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