Mastering Your Classes: The Art of Pre-Reading and Post-Reading

Do you often find yourself drowning in class materials, struggling to keep up with lectures, or feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information you need to absorb? If so, you're not alone. Many students face this challenge, but the good news is that there are effective strategies to help you conquer your coursework. In this blog post, we'll explore the powerful techniques of pre-reading and post-reading that can transform your academic experience from a struggle to a breeze.

Preparation for Pre-Reading: Setting the Stage

Before diving into the world of pre-reading and post-reading, it's essential to understand when each approach is most appropriate for your classes. To make this decision, take a close look at your syllabus at the beginning of the semester. This simple step can provide valuable insights into the best way to tackle your coursework.

Pre-Reading: Unleash Your Inner Sherlock

Pre-reading is not about simply skimming the pages; it's a strategic process that can pave the way for successful learning. To master pre-reading, remember the 4-Ps: Preview, Predict, Prior Knowledge, and Purpose [1,2].

• Preview: Sequentially read the material, paying special attention to headings, subheadings, summaries (if available), diagrams, and their captions. By doing this, you create a mental roadmap of the content, which will be invaluable during your subsequent studies.
• Predict: While pre-reading, try to anticipate what the material will cover. This predictive approach engages your brain and primes it for learning.
• Prior Knowledge: Connect the new material to what you already know. This helps you establish a foundation and makes learning new concepts easier.
• Purpose: Understand why you're pre-reading. Are you preparing for a class discussion or a lecture? Knowing your purpose helps you tailor your pre-reading strategy.

By following these steps, you'll be better prepared for class, and your note-taking will become more efficient. You'll focus on concepts that are new or unclear, rather than rehashing what's already in your textbook or lecture slides.

When is Pre-Reading Most Helpful?

Pre-reading is especially effective when you have access to your textbook, lecture notes, or slides before the class. Additionally, if your instructor gives you a preview of what will be discussed in the next class, seize the opportunity to pre-read.

Post-Reading: The Art of Mastery

After your class, it's time to reinforce your learning through post-reading. The approach varies depending on the nature of the course.

• For subjects like physics, math, or computer science, in-depth post-reading is highly recommended. Dive deeper into the material by seeking alternative explanations through textbooks or online video lectures. Challenge yourself with practice questions without referring to your notes.
• In courses like organic chemistry or biology, summarize and revisit concepts, then apply them through practice problems and visual aids like diagrams.
• If your coursework involves programming or specialized software like CAD, COMSOL, CODE V to name a few, consider redoing coding exercises or problems discussed in lectures without relying on your notes.
• For subjects outside the realm of STEM, your post-reading might involve creating an executive summary, rewriting concepts in your own words, and exploring real-world applications. Last but not the least, constructing critical comments will most certainly deepen your understanding.

Effective Strategies for Post-Reading

To maximize the benefits of post-reading, consider these strategies:

• Think-Pair-Share: Discuss what you've learned with peers to solidify your understanding. The main idea it you should be able to teach the concept to someone who is unfamiliar with the topic [3].
• Graphic Organizers: Visual aids can help you organize complex information.
• QAR (Question Answer Relationships): Formulate questions about the material and answer them to reinforce your knowledge [4].
• Retelling/Summarizing: Summarize what you've learned in your own words to reinforce your memory.

By integrating these techniques into your pre-reading and post-reading routines, you'll transform your learning experience. Remember that practice makes perfect, so be consistent in applying these strategies, and watch your academic performance soar.

In conclusion, the journey of mastering your classes begins with effective pre-reading and continues with thoughtful post-reading. These strategies empower you to approach your coursework with confidence, making learning a rewarding and enjoyable experience. So, embark on this adventure, and discover the difference pre-reading and post-reading can make in your academic life.

References:

1. Hamilton, G. (2002). Content-Area Reading Strategies: Science (Vol. 1). Walch Publishing.
2. Nordquist, Richard. (2023, April 5). Tricks, Tips, and the Benefits of Pre-Reading Text. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/prereading-definition-1691529
3. Starke, Kathryn. (2021, March 16). T Post-Reading Comprehension Strategies.Retrieved from https://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies/2015/11/post-reading-teaching-strategies.
4. Raphael, T. E. (1986). Teaching question answer relationships, revisited. The reading teacher, 39(6), 516-522.