Active Reading

Key wellness / productivity strategies: Active Reading

The video explains that “active reading” helps students avoid the common problem of finishing an academic text and realizing they don’t understand what they read.

Core idea

• Active reading = intentionally engaging with the text before, during, and after reading
• Focus on critical engagement to improve memory and understanding

Practical active-reading checklist

Before reading

• Choose a comfortable reading space with no distractions
• Gather everything you need (e.g., textbook, laptop/books, headphones, highlighters, water/snacks)
• Decide on one consistent note-taking method (and stick with it)
• Set a manageable reading amount
  • Break it into small sections (paragraphs/pages/chapters)
  • Space reading across days/weeks instead of cramming in one long session right before an exam/project
• Plan by:
  • Considering other classes’ reading requirements
  • Identifying your purpose for reading (what will you do with the info?)
  • Noting how the reading connects to other class topics

During reading

• Highlight and annotate the text
  • Add comments and questions
  • Mark items to look up later

After reading

• Combine your reading notes with lecture notes so everything is in one place
• Test yourself
  • Write down what you remember without looking back
  • Then return to the text to fill in gaps
• Read aloud (if it helps you stay engaged)
• Summarize what you read
  • Say it out loud to yourself or share it with someone else
• Revisit your written questions
  • Find answers and/or the right resources
• Keep notes organized with clear headings and dates for easier review
• Reward yourself for meeting predetermined reading goals
  • Small treats or extra free time to support well-being

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Presenter / source(s)

• Not specified in the subtitles (the video appears to be from an organization/channel promoting academic success tips).