• Identify the main topics/sections of the textbook/recommended readings to be covered in the lecture. You can find this information in the course outline here.
• Skim the relevant sections. Don't read slowly trying to understand in detail! "Skim" means to look quickly at chapter headings and section headings, highlighted or repeated words to find main points and understand very generally what the text is about.
  

• Ask questions based on chapter/section headings that you think the text will answer.
  

• Quickly check the text for answers to your questions, and check the meaning of some keywords that you do not know.
• Make margin notes and highlight important or difficult sections, but do not try to understand them completely yet. 
  

• Reformulate your questions and ask new ones as you begin to understand the text better.
• Note any points you do not understand and ask about these during the lecture.
  

After Lectures (2-4 hours. If this is not long enough, seek assistance.)

• Survey the lecture handouts and notes to decide what the main issues, theories or concepts were

Question

• Ask a specific exam-style question about ONE of the main issues. Each lecture probably covers 2-4 main issues, but you must focus your exam essay on only one area.

• Close your textbook and lecture notes. (Crucial step - this is not copying practice!)
  
• Organize your keyword notes into an essay plan to answer your question in 250-300 words.
  
• Write your essay WITHOUT PLAGIARISM in a reasonable time limit - e.g. one hour.  Shorten the time over the term.
  
  

• Take a break for at least an hour.
  
• Proof read your writing and check logic, spelling, grammar. Read your essay out loud (recite) to assist your checking and memory.
• Check the textbook or lecture notes for factual accuracy.
• Revise: make suitable changes to grammar, vocabulary and content. Check the text if necessary.