How to Read & Take Notes Like a PhD Student | Tips for Reading Fast & Efficiently for Slow Readers | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

This video provides tips and strategies on how to read effectively and take notes like a PhD student, covering different types of reading for class, retention, and research.

Key Insights

• 📚 Reading is a central skill for graduate students and scholars, requiring time and effort to master. The video will cover reading strategies for different purposes, including reading for class, retention, and research.
• 🎓 The video is aimed at students at various levels, from high school to graduate school, and provides tips and tricks applicable to all.
• ☕️ Reading for class requires a strategy. Students should determine which readings are most important for their long-term goals and focus on those. Not all readings need to be done thoroughly.
• 📝 When taking class notes, it is more efficient to focus on major themes, scholarship, and questions. These talking points will help students participate in class discussions and prepare for exams.
• 👥 Active recall is important for long-term retention. Students should discuss their readings with others, including professors or friends, to reinforce their understanding.
• 📝 When reading for retention, students should take detailed notes organized by categories such as main argument, supporting arguments, sources, methods, scholarly debate, and questions.
• 📖 Academic articles should be read thoroughly, paying attention to the introduction, main argument, and scholarly discourse. The notes should focus on the main argument and evidence used to support it.
• 📚 Academic books have distinct sections, including the introduction, chapters, conclusion, and bibliography. The introduction and conclusion are the most important sections to read thoroughly for the main argument and author's claims.
• 🔍 Reading for research requires a different strategy. Students should focus on key takeaways and use the index or find feature to locate relevant sections and pages. It's important to establish a set of key terms and search for them in the index to find relevant information.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How can students determine which readings to prioritize for class?

To determine which readings are most important, students should read through the syllabi and identify readings that align with their long-term goals and research interests. They should focus on chapters or sections that are relevant to their subject matter and set up class notes accordingly.

Q: What is the purpose of reading for retention?

Reading for retention involves developing long-term memory of the material. It is important for comprehensive exams, PhD admissions, and mastering literature for research. Active recall, discussing the subject with others, and note-taking on key categories such as main arguments, supporting evidence, and scholarly debates can help improve retention.

Q: How can students effectively read academic articles?

When reading academic articles, it is essential to identify the main argument, supporting arguments, subjects, sources, methods, scholarly debates, and take notes accordingly. The introduction and conclusion sections are key areas to focus on, as they provide insights into the author's thesis and the discourse they are engaging in.

Q: What is the recommended approach for reading academic books?

Academic books should be read thoroughly, with a focus on the introduction and conclusion sections. The table of contents can provide an overview and help identify the most relevant sections. While reading the chapters, it is helpful to read the first few pages and sentences of each paragraph, skim the rest, and pay attention to examples that support the author's thesis.

Q: How should students approach reading for research purposes?

When reading for research, students should focus on finding information directly applicable to their project. They should use specific search terms, utilize the index or find feature, and look for chapters or sections that reference their subject matter. Taking notes on the key takeaways and establishing a list of applicable terms can aid in efficient research reading.

Q: What is the importance of note-taking in the reading process?

Note-taking is crucial for effective reading. It helps with retention, serves as a reference for class participation and exams, and provides valuable material for research papers, theses, and dissertations. Organizing notes based on main arguments, supporting evidence, methods, and other relevant categories can enhance comprehension and recall.

Q: How can students optimize their reading and note-taking with the help of technology?

The video mentions the use of the Notion app for note-taking and organization. Notion offers versatile features and templates suitable for academic purposes, such as tracking progress, creating a database of readings, and managing research projects. Additionally, it integrates with citation management software like Zotero.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video offers three types of reading strategies: reading for class, reading for retention, and reading for research.

• Tips for reading for class include determining which readings are most relevant, using a strategy to maximize time, and organizing class notes effectively.

• Reading for retention involves active recall, note-taking techniques for academic articles and books, and focusing on important categories such as main arguments, supporting evidence, methods, and scholarly debates.