Recitation is an effective device for learning while reading a book. It helps you understand and remember course material.
- Try to recall main headings and the principal ideas under each heading.
- Try to give a synopsis of your reading in your own words without looking at the pages.
- Create a mind map of ideas and how they relate to each other.
General guideline
As you read, stop at intervals to recite the substance of each major section of a chapter. Every time you see a new heading coming up, stop and recite the material in the section you have just finished.
- If you are learning somewhat disconnected material (rules, items, foreign language vocabulary, names, laws, and formulas), recitation may be a majority of your study time.
- For well-organized story-like material (history, philosophy) recitation may be no more than 20% to 30% of the study time.