ck-12 // for elementary math, arithmetic, measurement, algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, trigonometry, analysis, calculus, earth science, life science, physical science, biology, chemistry, physics, sat exam prep, engineering, technology, astronomy, english, history
college open textbook // for anthropology & archeology, art, biology & genetics, business, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering & electronics, english & composition, health & nursing, history, languages & communication, law, literature, math, music, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, science, sociology, statistics & probability
ebooklobby // for arts & photography, biographies & memoirs, business, computers & internet, cooking, entertainment, health, home & garden, law, literature & fiction, sports, travel
freemathbooks // for algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, applied math, probability, analysis, statistics, and other sub-categories of mathematics
global text project // for business, computing, education, health, science, social sciences
openstax cnx // for arts, business, humanities, mathematics & statistics, science & technology, social sciences
open culture // for art history, biology, business & management, chemistry, classics, computer science & information systems, earth science, economics & finance, education, engineering, history, linguistics, law, mathematics, music, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, sociology
open textbook library // for accounting and finance, business, management & marketing, computer science & information systems, economics, general education, humanities & language, law, mathematics & statistics, natural & physical sciences, social sciences
textbook revolution // for biology, business & management, chemistry, computer science & technology, earth sciences, economics, engineering, environment, ESL, health sciences & medical, mathematics, physics, society and social sciences, sociology, world history
I know many of us have difficulties when it comes to reading textbooks, so here’s some tips!
1. Don’t read front to back (aka, READ BACKWARDS)
Reading a textbook chapter front to back ensures that you will waste time.
I know it’s counter-intuitive to not read a book front to back, but don’t do it. Mystery novels stink when you read the back first, as do good thriller movies. If you read the last page of a Sherlock Holmes novel before you read the story, it’ll be lame. If you know Bruce Willis is dead, don’t watch the 6th Sense.
Want to try this strategy? Try reading your textbook chapter in this order: 1. Go to the questions at the end first. Read them, answer them to the best of your ability, and then begin your actual reading strategies. This will sort of “prime the engine” of retention. 2. Next, read the final summary of the chapter. This will give you a general background as to the Big Ideas in the chapter. 3. Third, look at the headings and subdivision of the chapter. 4. Fourth, read the chapter introduction. From that point you can then work through the chapter from front to back. By taking this out-of-order strategy, you are focusing not on the chronological order, but rather connecting the ideas found in the chapter together. This is infinitely more important than reading things in the order they were written.
2. Read for Big Ideas
Textbooks are extremely thorough. You, while needing thoroughness, are not going to be able to absorb every tiny detail found in a chapter. You have to focus on what’s most important.
Textbooks are great because they explain those Big Ideas in context, but make sure you don’t get lost in the minutiae. Read for the Big Ideas first and foremost and you’ll be able to sift through the mountain of information available.
In textbooks, Big Ideas are easy to spot because they are often in bold print or section headings. Look for the complete sentence thought that summarizes and drives each subdivision and you’ll have identified the Big Ideas.
3. Read for Key Details
Big Ideas need support. Otherwise they’re just opinions. After you identify each Big Idea, make note of the supporting details that fill out and help the Big Idea make sense.
While this looks different in each subject, they should be relatively easy to pick out. Key people, places, and events often make up the key details in history books. Grammar rules are the important details frequently in grammar books. For languages, vocab are some of the most important key details of the chapter. Check your notes against the questions at the end of the chapter. If they reflect the same key details, you know you are barking up the right tree.
4. Read the book once but your notes multiple times
You should never have to read a chapter more than once (in theory). If you’ve done your reading well and taken notes as you read, you have a record of the thoughts being communicated.
Granted, it takes a while to adapt to this approach. Don’t be upset if you have a time of adjustment before being able to read a chapter only once.
But if you put in the work now to get used to reading a textbook more effectively, consider the time you’ll save in the long-run. We promise you’ll see the benefits quickly. For those of you who are already using this type of active textbook reading strategy, congratulations on making the honor without losing your social life. Well done.
The year is 2018. Your bills are on autopay. You just got paid and you still have $1200 from the last check. When you want something, you buy it without moving money around. Your credit cards are paid off. You and your friends have 2 international trips planned and paid for this year. Your parents are in great health and you’re able to help if they need anything. You love your job. Your desired creative career is falling into place and you get to take your little cousins to Six Flags and Universal Studios over the Summer. Your relationships are healthy and supportive. All of the toxic energy from the past 6 years is gone. You going to concerts, eating good across the states and your crib has art and warmth throughout. 2018 is going to be so good to you.
Maybe I should have included guidelines.
FYI: I was basically homeless 2 years ago, could not get a job to save my life, involved in a very abusive relationship with a manipulator and I was “I don’t wanna live anymore.” depressed. Fast forward 2 years later….listen to me.
Create goal boards. Having a visual representation of your goals viewable increases your chances of accomplishing them.
Stop spending money on bullshit. Ohmygod. You think you’re not but take a good look at your finances. This was the first step to me saving a lot of money.
Why are you only making $9/hr with 8+ years of experience? Does your resume and/or interview skills need work?? Don’t settle just because you didn’t get those first couple of jobs. Partner with temp agencies in your cities. A lot of companies don’t even publicly post jobs anymore.
Don’t be so hard on yourself if you don’t hit every single thing on your goal board. I didn’t hit all my 2017 goals and a few of them came months after my expected completion date!
Groupon and Living Social will make you apart of the elite of traveling.
Move money into an account you have limited access to (direct deposit a certain amount into an account that’s separate from your main checkings or with a different bank altogether.)
Work towards your desired career everyday or at least once a week; write that chapter, create that treatment, record that song, apply for that internship.
Begin to distance yourself from toxic people or confront them all at once and end the relationship.
If you can afford it, SUBSCRIBE to Kindle Unlimited, soooooooooo many books that will help you get your shit together.
Create mini weekly goals; I recommend doing 3 mini goals a week (example: no sugar this week, write for 10 minutes a day, apply to 3 jobs) These are very attainable and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Bill Autopay. I know this is a big one but you’re closer than you think. Do you pay for Spotify or Hulu monthly?? What about Apple Music or Netflix? Look at you already having one or two monthly payments getting drafted automatically 😎 I recommend choosing the one bill that does not change and making that your first official autopay bill!
Hey guys had to re-upload this post! I know that you guys don’t want to hear my flapping and just wanna get to the goods! Before you scroll down, let me just quickly say that these materials are based on my own experiences buying and ditching textbooks and cds for like six years!! Everything I’m about to tell you is the best of the best that I could find (but this isn’t a complete list)! In other words, I didn’t pull this stuff out of my ass. I’m actually serious about how awesome this stuff is. So without further ado, the Japanese learning must-haves!
I absolutely LOVE this textbook! It makes Japanese learning super fun, but more importantly it is EXTREMELY useful if you want to learn how to read, not just Manga but anything. It introduces Japanese grammar, politeness levels and ending particles in a way that isn’t totally confusing and ridiculous. This is a must have for any serious Japanese learner.
If you are just starting Japanese, these workbooks are the knees of the bees for learning Katakana and Hiragana. It was a real nightmare for me to learn these for real, but this book introduced each character and had plenty of practice for each one. There are also pre-made flashcards in the back for extra practice. These books are just a no brainer!
Okay, this isn’t a textbook, but it is an essential part of your Japanese study. Just like children in grade school, you’ll need a specific kind of notebook to help you study Japanese Kanji. Genkouyoushi paper is exactly that. It’s a grid notebook made to make it easier for you to practice writing Kanji!
Shadowing: Let’s Speak Japanese (Intermediate Version)
Okay, this is an audio based program with minimal grammatical explanations, but hear me out. It is an extremely effective way to learn to speak Japanese. Based on the US State Department, the best way to train interpreters is a method called shadowing. In other words, you listen to a native speaker and repeat what they say over and over until your ears bleed and your mouth goes dry. Does it work? YES! I have personally used this method for over 4 years and it has NEVER failed me. Just keep in mind that you will need to do self research on grammatical points, but otherwise this book is gold. They have a beginner to intermediate and an intermediate to advanced version on Amazon.
Free Resources!!!!!
Okay so now the fun part. The free stuffffff! I have compiled all the free crap I have (including textbooks, organizers, trackers, and audio lessons) into a Google Drive folder that I am happy to share with you! Just visit the link and take what cha need! Keep in mind that I’m constantly adding new stuff! You’re welcome! :)
