Mr. Combs's History Pages

Reading Tips

Here are some things to keep in mind as you read each chunk of text.

1. Do not try to remember everything the first time you read it. Do the reading carefully and closely but do not sweat over each name and date.

2. Do not try to take such comprehensive notes that you essentially copy the text.

3. Read it like a story but pay close attention to some key things - these items, at minimum should make it into your notes.

1. WHAT is happening here? What is the story being told?
2. WHEN did it happen?
3. WHO are the main actors/characters?
4. WHERE is the story taking place?
5. WHY is this important? WHY is the author telling us about this?
6. HOW does it add to our understanding of the history of the time and place under examination?

If you read for these key ideas, you will have a solid grasp of the material.

4. You will have to encounter important names, dates, events and such numerous times to commit them to memory.

1st contact - reading and notes
2nd contact - discussion in class, additional notes taken, questions asked by you for clarification
3rd contact - Jeopardy in class
4th contact - review for exam
5th contact - taking the exam
6th contact - review for midterm and/or final exam
7th contact - studying for the exam
8th contact - taking the midterm and/or final exam

As you can see, key dates, names and events will be visited many times throughout the year. Do not get frustrated if you finish a reading at home and do not recall all of the details. These things take time.

The following statement is of the utmost importance.

If you do not do the reading carefully and come to class prepared, you will not do well in this course. If you do the reading, come to class prepared, participate in discussion and prepare for exams, you will have great success in this course.

Please see me if you are finding the reading difficult or (and this is important) if your reading notes do not mesh with class discussion. If your reading notes are very different from the key points I highlight in class, see me to see if we can refine your note-taking style.

Above all else - you must take reading notes. The amount of information in this course is too great to rely simply on memory.

Drop me an email or visit my classroom at any time for extra help. You can make an appointment on the whiteboard hanging above my bookcase to reserve a time to discuss your notes and reading strategies.