In college, the reading you encounter will be different compared to the reading you have done for pleasure.

—In your college courses, you will be asked to read for various purposes such as:

• Reading for knowledge, meaning, and concepts
• Reading for research
• Reading samples to assist with writing
• Reading to learn how to do something
• Reading to satisfy curiosity
• Reading to understand an issue
• Reading to respond to issues or to critique a text

You will also be asked to follow a reading process, which can be separated into three stages: pre reading (or before reading), active reading (or while reading), and post reading (or after reading). This resource will explore many strategies that will assist you with developing an effective reading process.

Become an Active, Critical Reader

By following a reading process, you will become an active, critical reader. You will begin to read actively rather than passively. Active readers interact with texts while reading. They use strategies to better comprehend, remember, and respond to college-level texts. You will also develop the skills of a critical reader. Critical readers think about, evaluate, and assess the material they read. Critical readers develop and use the following skills:

• Critical readers reflect on the ideas presented in their reading assignments. They know the time is well-spent to enhance their understanding.
• Critical readers raise questions while reading. They evaluate and solve problems rather than merely compiling a set of facts to be memorized.
• Critical readers can think logically. They are fact-oriented and can review the facts dispassionately. They base their judgments on ideas and evidence.
• Critical readers can recognize error in thought and persuasion as well as recognize good arguments.
• Critical readers are skeptical. They understand that not everything in print is right. They are diligent in seeking out the truth.

Watch this video to learn about some additional habits you can use to help you be successful in college:

CC Licensed Content, Shared Previously

Content adapted from the “Successful College Reading” PowerPoint by Scottsdale Community College Reading Faculty, licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Video Content

“10 Habits of Successful Students” by CNM Online