Skim or Speed Read Initially

Before diving deeply into a text, take a moment to skim through it to identify the main ideas. Jot down these key points and organize them in your notes for better preparation during your in-depth reading.

• Limit this skimming to a maximum of 60 minutes for every 100 pages.
• Don’t dwell on unfamiliar words; note them down for later research.
• Summarize the essential elements at the end of each chapter, keeping it to a quick 5-minute recap.

The first video discusses various techniques designed to help you remember everything you read and study effectively. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking to enhance their learning retention.

Speed Read Again, Focusing on Key Elements

For efficiency, speed reading can be advantageous since much of the content in books may be extraneous. Slow down when encountering keywords or crucial points identified in your initial read.

• Typically, important terms will be highlighted in boxes, italicized, or bolded.
• Understanding the surrounding paragraphs of each key term can greatly enhance your grasp of the material.
• Take your time here; comprehension is key.

Go Back When Needed

Don’t hesitate to revisit sections that confuse you. If clarity still eludes you after the fifth read, consider seeking help online. Often, the answers may be found in adjacent paragraphs, but it’s perfectly fine if a particular writing style doesn’t resonate with you. Everyone learns at their own pace.

• Utilize resources at your disposal: the internet, peers, instructors, forums, videos, and additional books.

Record Detailed Explanations of Challenging Concepts

If a concept doesn’t click during your first pass, it likely won’t during review either. Create comprehensive explanations to facilitate your understanding in future sessions.

• This is essential for formulating questions, keeping track of your inquiries, or searching for further information, as many of us tend to forget what we haven't documented.
• Invest the necessary time here to avoid revisiting the material repeatedly.

Organize Notes into "Know" and "Don't Know" Sections

Keeping your knowledge fresh is vital, and separating notes into familiar and unfamiliar categories can streamline your review process.

• Assess what you know weekly to reinforce your memory.
• Spend daily time on concepts you find challenging, retaining items in this section until you can comfortably recall them for five consecutive days before moving them to the "Know" section.

Teach Others

Utilize available resources to teach others about the concepts you struggled with. Create videos, respond to questions, or engage in discussions, as many individuals share your learning obstacles. The act of teaching significantly enhances your retention.

Keep a Monthly Summary

After reading each book, draft a concise summary (approximately half a page or 300 words) highlighting the most pivotal information. Regularly update this compilation as you read new materials and review it at least once a month. This practice will prove beneficial in the long run.