Many students read their textbooks but still forget most of what they studied after a few hours. This can be frustrating, especially when preparing for tests or trying to understand a new topic. Remembering what you read is not always about reading more.

It is about reading in a better and more organized way. With the right habits, anyone can improve their memory and get more value from their textbooks. Here are some simple and clear tips that can help you remember what you read.

The first thing you should do before reading is to prepare your mind. Do not just pick up the book and start reading from the first page. Take a few minutes to relax and clear your thoughts. Try to understand why you are reading that particular chapter. Are you reading for a test, an assignment, or just to understand a new idea? When you know your purpose, your mind becomes more alert, and you pay better attention to what you read.

Preview the chapter before reading it fully

This is another good habit to exhibit if you really want to remember what you read. You can do this by scanning the headings, subheadings, pictures, diagrams, and summary sections.

This gives your brain a quick overview of the main ideas. When you finally start reading, your mind will already have a small map of what to expect, and this makes the information easier to remember.

As you read, do not rush. Many students read too fast because they want to finish quickly. But reading fast without understanding does not help you remember anything.

Take your time and move at a pace that allows you to think about each idea. When you read slowly and pay attention, the information stays longer in your memory.

Also, try to read actively. Do not sit like a passive reader who only moves their eyes across the page. Instead, try to interact with the information.

Soliloquize while you Read

You can ask yourself questions as you read. For example, you can pause and say, what is the main lesson of this paragraph? Why is this point important?

How can I explain this in my own words? Asking questions helps your brain stay awake and focused.

One of the most effective methods for remembering information is to take notes while reading. You do not need to copy every sentence from the textbook. Instead, write short and simple notes in your own words.

When you rewrite something in your own language, your brain processes it deeply, and this improves memory. You can also highlight important points, but do not highlight everything. Only mark the ideas that truly matter.

Avoid cramming

Another helpful strategy is to break your reading into smaller parts. If a chapter is very long, divide it into sections and read one section at a time. After finishing a section, take a short break to think about what you have learned.

You can even close the book and try to recall the main points from memory. This small exercise strengthens your understanding and makes it easier to remember later.

Some students also find it helpful to teach what they have read. You do not need a real classroom to do this. You can simply imagine that you are explaining the topic to a friend.

When you teach something, your brain organizes the information clearly, making it easier to remember. If you do have a friend or classmate, you can study together and take turns explaining different topics.

Another thing you can do is to connect the new information with something you already know. Your brain remembers better when it can link new ideas with old ones. For example, if you are reading about a science concept that reminds you of something you learned last year, try to connect them.

If you are reading a story in literature, think about how it relates to real-life situations. These connections help the information stay in your mind longer.

Avoid Distractions

It is also important to eliminate distractions when reading. If your phone keeps vibrating or people are talking around you, your mind will not focus well.

Find a quiet place where you can read peacefully. You can also keep your phone away or turn off notifications for a while. A focused mind remembers better than a distracted one.

Read at the time of the day when you feel most alert. Some people remember better in the morning, while others read better at night. Pay attention to your own rhythm and choose a time that works best for you. When your mind is fresh, your memory becomes stronger.

After reading a chapter, do not close the book immediately. Spend a few minutes reviewing what you just learned. You can look at your notes, go over the highlighted parts, or read the summary at the end of the chapter. Reviewing soon after reading helps the information move from short-term memory to long-term memory.

Use spaced repetition

This means reviewing the same material several times over a few days. For example, read your notes today, review them again tomorrow, and then go over them again after two or three days. Each review strengthens your memory and makes the information easier to recall during exams.

If you are someone who learns with visuals, try turning your notes into mind maps, charts, or drawings. Visual tools help your brain store information in a more organized way.

You can draw a main idea in the center and then link smaller ideas around it. When you look at the mind map later, you will quickly remember the whole chapter.

Always take care of your body. Good memory depends on your overall health. Try to sleep well at night because your brain stores information while you sleep. Also, drink enough water and eat healthy foods. A tired or hungry brain cannot remember effectively.

Conclusion

Remembering what you read in textbooks is not as hard as it seems. You simply need to read with purpose, stay active, take notes, connect ideas, remove distractions, and review often. When you follow these simple steps, studying becomes easier, and the information stays in your mind for a long time. With practice, you will notice that your understanding improves, your grades get better, and reading becomes more enjoyable.