The problem this solves
“I want to read a textbook chapter properly, not just once.”
Primary keyword: two pass reading
What you'll learn
- Pass 1: orientation and skeleton
- Pass 2: depth with questions
- What to write down between passes
- A worked example on a real chapter
The science behind it: Deep Encoding Strategies
Encoding strategies are the techniques learners use to give new material meaning at the moment of study: connecting it to prior knowledge, imagery, emotion, or action.
Why it matters
How you encode determines what you will later be able to retrieve; shallow encoding (rote reading) yields shallow memory, deep encoding yields durable, flexible memory.
How to apply it
- Rephrase new material in your own words before moving on.
- Connect each new idea to at least one thing you already know.
- Generate examples from your own life that illustrate the new concept.
Common mistakes
- Re-reading the same sentences multiple times instead of re-encoding.
- Highlighting and underlining without actively elaborating.
- Treating passive note-taking as encoding, when notes are only useful if reviewed and reworked.
Read the full concept: Deep Encoding Strategies.
Where this fits
Part of module Depth and Understanding.
More articles in this module
- Surface Learning vs. Deep Learning : surface vs deep learning
- Build Mental Models of Hard Topics : mental models learning
- Learn Anything With Analogy : analogy learning
- The Wrong Analogy Trap : wrong analogy
- Elaborate on a Textbook Chapter in 20 Minutes : elaboration chapter