"The most common suggestion made by former students—mentioned by every single one of them—was to mark up the text, make com- ments in the margins, and write yourself notes and summaries both during and after reading. Often the notes students took while reading became ideas or material for the students to use in their own papers. It’s important to read with a pen or highlighter in your hand so that you can mark—right on the text—all those spots where you identify an interesting choice the author has made or a writerly technique you might want to use." (p. 81)
This tip found in Bunn's reading is one I've heard over and over again in my high school AP English classes. But, I must say I disagree. When I pull out my highlighter and begin marking up the text, I have a lot to say -- much like I do in life -- almost too much to say. I get distracted by my own thoughts which are being scribbled onto the page, and then I forget to absorb any of the ideas found in the text. I'm a little too self-centered, I guess. It does help, though, if I choose to simply highlight and not jot anything in the margins. This way I can quickly glance back at the text for paragraphs and words that I like, however, I'm not all caught up in my own marginal arguments.
"Crap! How many paragraphs had my eyes grazed over while I was thinking about Joel’s stupid elbows? By the end of that first semester, I abandoned ideas of majoring in political science. I vacillated between intense irritation with my assigned readings and a sneaking suspicion that perhaps the problem was me—I was too dumb to read academic texts. Whichever it was—a problem with the readings or with me—I carefully chose my classes so that I could read novels, poetry, and plays for credit." (p.211)
I found this narrative piece of information in Rosenberg's writing both so entertaining and so true!! I often find my eyes glazing over when I read any sort of academic writing. It's weird, I could sit down and flip through a magazine that interests me and read it front-to-back in an easy half-hour. I'd remember every detail, and years later I could still tell you the best tips for softer hair and who was dating who in Cosmo's April 2011 issue. However give me something uninteresting to digest, and my mind wanders.
That's why Rosenberg's writing interests me so much, what are the tricks to making yourself interested in what you need to know over what you want to know? I actually found myself highlighting this article and practicing the tips as I read ... as I read. As my knowledge bank grew, I began to practice more and more of the skills. Hopefully, this helped me to internalize them.
I can't get away with just reading what I want to for the rest of my life ... and there has to be a less painful way to get through textbooks.
