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May 18, 2022

Active reading for study success

At university you need to read a wide variety of information from a range of sources. Most units at Deakin have set readings known as your Unit Reading List, which relate to the key topics your classes focus on each week. Your readings will build your knowledge of key concepts over time and help you in developing a body of knowledge in your field. 

Did you know we have an Active Reading guide to help support you in getting the most out of your readings?  

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What is active reading?  

Active reading is a core skill for both study and future professional roles, which can help you understand and interpret information you come across. Our active reading guide will help you to recognise the different types of resources you might be assigned, and provides tips on how to approach them.  

So when is the best time to complete your weekly unit readings? 

Reading before class 

Completing your weekly readings before class helps you to develop discipline-specific vocabulary and have a better understanding of the topic. It allows you to write down questions to ask in class and to contribute more confidently to discussions.   

Reading after class 

Reviewing or re-reading texts after you’ve covered the content in class allows you to read in a more informed and engaged way. It will build a deeper understanding of the topic and concepts. A great way to do this is talking to a friend about what you have read and trying to explain the key elements to them.   

Readings are also important to prepare for your assessments. 

Strategies to get the most out of your reading 

Not everyone learns the same way. Understanding different ways you can read and take notes will help you discover a study style that works best for you – and can also help you tackle more difficult resources. Some different strategies include: 

For more information and advice on active reading, make sure you explore our Active Reading guide! 



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