How to annotate your textbook

Summary

The video script is a tutorial on how to annotate a book effectively for educational purposes. It emphasizes the importance of highlighting key details, noting personal experiences of the author, and marking statistics that stand out. The instructor suggests using different colors for various types of annotations, such as names, vocabulary, and historical references. For those with e-books or rented books, post-it notes and tabs are recommended instead of direct markings. The script also encourages looking up unfamiliar terms and creating flashcards for future reference, promoting active reading and the use of a dictionary for a deeper understanding of the material.

Takeaways

• 😀 The instructor demonstrates how to annotate a book, specifically Jonathan Kozol's chapter, to enhance reading comprehension and retention.
• 🔍 For those with e-books or rented books, using post-it tabs is recommended to mark important sections without damaging the book.
• 🖊️ Writing key terms like 'Kozol' on post-it tabs helps quickly locate sections, emphasizing the importance of personal annotation.
• 📚 The instructor highlights the significance of noting personal experiences of the author, such as Kozol's teaching background, to understand the context of the article.
• 📈 Emphasizing statistics within the text, like the demographic breakdown of public school enrollment, is crucial for grasping the article's message on educational inequities.
• ✏️ The script advises using the margins to write reasons for highlighting, which aids in critical thinking and active reading.
• 🏛️ The video mentions the importance of familiarizing oneself with historical references like 'Brown versus Board of Education' and notable figures like Thurgood Marshall.
• 📖 The instructor suggests using flashcards for unfamiliar terms, court cases, and names, which can be color-coded and filed for future reference.
• 🌈 Color-coding is encouraged for different types of annotations, such as important details, names, and vocabulary, to organize thoughts and enhance recall.
• 📚 Having a dictionary and other reference materials at hand while reading is stressed for immediate lookup of unfamiliar words and concepts.
• 📚 The video concludes with a reminder of the importance of having a dedicated place and time for studying, along with all necessary materials for effective annotation.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is teaching students how to annotate a book effectively, focusing on Jonathan Kozol's chapter in a book, starting on page 170.

What is the first step the instructor suggests for annotating a book?

The first step suggested by the instructor is to get to the specified page number, in this case, page 170, and to have the necessary materials ready, such as a pen and post-it tabs.

Why does the instructor recommend using post-it tabs?

The instructor recommends using post-it tabs to mark pages and write the author's name or key terms on them for quick reference, which is especially useful if you don't want to write directly in the book.

What is the significance of Jonathan Kozol's background mentioned on page 170?

Jonathan Kozol's background is significant because it provides context about his personal experience with the subject matter of inequities in education, which is the focus of the article.

How does the instructor suggest highlighting important details in the text?

The instructor suggests not only highlighting the text but also writing a brief explanation on a post-it note or in the side margin about why the detail is important.

What does the instructor recommend doing when encountering unfamiliar historical references?

When encountering unfamiliar historical references, the instructor recommends making flashcards with the term and researching more about it to gain familiarity.

What color coding system does the instructor use for highlighting?

The instructor uses a color-coding system where different colors represent different types of highlights: one color for interesting information, another for names and court cases, and yet another for vocabulary words they don't know.

Why is it important to look up words you don't know while reading?

Looking up words you don't know while reading is important to build vocabulary and ensure comprehension of the text. The instructor suggests using a dictionary and making flashcards for future reference.

What does the instructor suggest for organizing flashcards for future reference?

The instructor suggests keeping flashcards in a box and organizing them alphabetically or by category, such as names, places, or vocabulary, for easy retrieval and review.

What is the purpose of annotation as discussed in the video?

The purpose of annotation, as discussed in the video, is to engage actively with the text, enhance understanding, and facilitate recall of important information by marking, highlighting, and noting key points, terms, and concepts.

How does the instructor plan to follow up on the annotation lesson?

The instructor plans to follow up the annotation lesson with discussion and practice exercises, and may ask students to share screenshots of their annotations for review.