6 tips for using a textbook well: even if you are not taking a class

A textbook is a powerful tool for learning, whether one is in an official class or not! I recommend using a textbook as one of the key ways to really learn about politics or any topic one is interested in learning about because they tend to be accessible, structured well, and in many cases: reasonably priced.

Textbooks can sometimes get a bad rap— in many cases well-earned! But let me make the case for them, even with these limitations:

Textbooks are accessible because they tend to be written for those who are new to a subject. They define all terms and provide a lot of examples to help make the ideas in them clear and understandable.

They are also often very organized with a lot of resources for a reader, which is great for students in a class but especially for those guiding themselves through a new subject.

Often, new editions of textbooks can be quite pricey, but the good news is that older editions can often be found used or in digital form at a fraction of the price. In the case of textbooks on U.S. politics, they tend to be updated after every major election: after each presidential election, and some mid-term elections. While political events are moving particularly quickly these days, many of the old tried and true content remains the same, and so someone seeking a used copy will still find much of value. If needed, they can supplement this with paying attention to current events in the news or blogs like this one!

Whether your textbook was assigned for a class, or you buy one on your own, the tips below can help you to use your textbook well— and by that, we mean to learn well!

TIP #1: GET THE LAY OF THE LAND

Start with the table of contents and use it to see the structure of the book.

The preface provides the book’s aims and tone.

Look:  How did the author(s) break up the topics into different units?  What is the order or flow of the units and the chapters within the units? 

The appendix contains documents and resources the authors believe important.

TIP #2: SCAN BEFORE DIVING IN

Reading a textbook is not like a novel: you won’t spoil things by scanning it or skipping to the end.   

Use the section headings and subheadings as an outline to structure your notes. 

If provided, read the chapter summary to see where the author(s) believe are the essential take-aways of the chapter.  Everything you read should then fit into this logic. 

TIP #3: ACTIVE READING

Annotating and note-taking should go along with reading.   

First, start by reading one section—making quick marks as you go—underline or star what is important to remember.   

Then, go back and write in your own words a short summary of the key takeaways of that section—just a sentence or few bullet points. 

To use these notes to study efficiently later, make note of subheadings and page numbers. 

TIP #4: USE THE TOOLS PROVIDED

Use the key terms and glossary to find short definitions of specialized concepts.

The index is a quick reference to find what you are looking for—if you cannot remember where it was or when you don’t know where it is yet!  Lists topics, people, places, and more.

TIP #5: PAY ATTENTION TO VISUALS

It may be tempting to only read the main body of the textbook.  But photos, drawings, charts and graphs almost always have been carefully chosen to help you learn. 

Looking at an image can also help you to recall or understand a related key concept later.

It is a skill to know how to read graphs and charts.  Practice working through what they show (and may not show).  Think about their implications!

Connect the visuals to what you are reading—how do they serve as examples or clarifications?

TIP #6: USE WITH OTHER RESOURCES

If you are in a class, how can lectures and the notes you take in them link to the reading?

Unsure about the meaning of a word?  Look it up in a dictionary if it is not in the glossary.

Textbooks are snapshots in time. Look for current events that can update your book’s lessons.

Many textbooks offer companion resources—links, videos, flashcards, etc. to help you learn.

A textbook is not the only way to learn about politics, but it is a great place to start! It can also find usefulness as a first point of reference when things come up in the news that you do not understand fully.

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And of course, don’t forget, if you have a question about politics and policy I have not yet covered, go to the Contact page and enter it in— I will do my best to write a future post that covers it! Answering your questions is why I am here!