It is hard for me to retain information when I read a textbook. Any tricks or tips to help me out?

I am a fairly good student. 3/4 of my grades are usually A's and the rest B's, but lately when I read a textbook it is hard for me to retain the information.

I've had a lot of stress in my life lately, but I really want to focus on the information and it is so hard for me to retain it once I read it.

What is a good way to help me begin to retain the information once again?It is hard for me to retain information when I read a textbook. Any tricks or tips to help me out?
I sympathise - I also find it really hard to learn solely from reading a book.



one thing I do alot that helps is take notes as you're reading. sit at a desk with the book in one hand and pen and paper in the other, if you see anything and think "oh, this fact is important", "I need to remember this name/formula", "this point is really crutial for understanding", then write it down. the quality of the notes isn't really important, it's the action of writing it down that helps you remember it.



you could try mind maps? - I used to use them quite a bit but I haven't in a while. if you do use them make sure you use lots of colours otherwise it defeats the purpose to a large extent.

You won't be able to take alot in if you're all like "OH NO *panic* EXAMS!" . you need to chill out first. Relax, focus, and take regular breaks -%26gt; I find after about 2, 3 hours i hit like, "the wall" there's no point in doing any more cause my brain reaches saturation haha.

also, in my experience the most effective revision is past papers. practice really does make perfect. you can use them in a multitude of ways depending on how far on you are, but that's a whole different kettle of fish.
When reading, always read the headings and titles of the chapters so that you have a decent idea of what the section going to be talking about.



Sometimes, books will write key words in bold, and that is definitely helpful if you use that as a guide. If the books give you a list of key terms, what you can do is search for just the definitions of the key terms inside the book, and write down those definitions. Afterward, once you read through the book knowing the definitions, it becomes a lot more comprehensive.



If your teacher has given you a study guide with a list of key terms, key ideas, etc. by all means, use that study guide.



I'm not sure what has been causing that stress, but it seems apparent that that could be the cause of your problem. Basically, you want to study without any distractions or drifting thoughts.It is hard for me to retain information when I read a textbook. Any tricks or tips to help me out?
You should be taking notes, whether or not you are under particular stress. Notetaking is a useful way to help you remember the key points of what you've read, and everyone should do it, unless he or she has a photographic memory. It's a normal part of study.



By the way, if your stress levels are affecting you to the extent that they are interfering with your work, then you need to see a counselor. You can learn ways to manage stress and anxiety.
Sometimes, if I'm trying to learn something that's tricky, I explain it out loud to a third party. This shows up the holes in your knowledge and is quite effective. It doesn't even have to be a real third party if you can't find any innocent victim to help you, you can tell the dog if necessary!It is hard for me to retain information when I read a textbook. Any tricks or tips to help me out?
try writing down the important parts - it helps me to remember if i actually write it down rather than keep reading over and over again. or copy the information on to post it's and stick them everywhere1
don't just highlight, take notes on it as you read