<p>Everytime I read, I can never comprehend or even remember what I am reading. I can read several pages and it goes from one ear out the other. I am also not able to concentrate on anything, I have gotten to easily distracted. And I go over things several times over, but just today while taking a final, I couldn't put a single word down for about half an hour because I could not word it properly. I need help.</p>
<p>OMG, the same thing happens to me sometimes. I want to be able to absorb volumes of material by reading it only once ya know. Are there any better reading techniques available?</p>
<p>I have the same exact thing...</p>
<p>hahaha...
wow, common problem!
Without more specifics, though, there could be any number of underlying problems from not really having any interest in the subject to lack of sleep to drug/alchohol use to an LD (learning disorder) to....</p>
<p>The freezing on the test problem is probably more test anxiety than anything. I get that way for some classes, I'll start to take a test and completely forget everything for 5minutes or more. Then I'll remember and do the test once I relax. The studying stuff is something that I can somewhat relate too. Certain classes I have that problem. What I think is happening is that you are reading something and you don't fully understand yet continue on. What you should try is after each paragraph wait and think to yourself about what new information has been added and how it plays in the context of what you read before it. If you don't understand it, reread the paragraph until you get it. By the time you finish reading I garuntee whatever it was will be branded into your brain.</p>
<p>Try a change of scenery for when you study. I arrived at college having never really needed to open my books in high school, so I am still working out a system for myself, but I have quickly learned that I cannot work in my dorm. The library is my personal preference... I plug my headphones in, settle down in a desk/ comfortable chair, and can really focus on what I need to finish. </p>
<p>Also, try different not taking strategies. For me, Econ notes MUST be taken by hand, but I have no issue typing notes for Public Policy.</p>
<p>And sleep. Exercise. Eat right. Live healthy.</p>
<p>For me, I write down key points when I read.
I found when I have to write it down (handwritten, not typed), I remember it better and if it's something I need to memorize, like dates to a war or something, I'll just write it down over and over until it's stuck in there.</p>
<p>Heck, I remember a crap poem I had to recite in the third grade which I memorized by re-writing a couple dozen times. So, it works. It can just be monotonous after awhile.</p>
<p>Also, I never study in places where I know I'll be distracted, like in my apartment, in front of a computer (I always print out anything I need) - I go to the most boring place possible and study.</p>
<p>The reason the material passes right through you is because it's probably stuff that doesn't interest you at all or you find it hard. Honestly if that's the case you need to find somebody who likes it and study with them. Otherwise it's very hard to retain information that you don't understand, but simply have stored in your brain. You'll blank out on the test.</p>
<p>omg ugh, I know exactly what you mean, for me it mostly happens when I'm doing a timed reading of a short writing excerpt and know I'm required to write an analysis/essay of it immediately afterward. </p>
<p>I just can't read while being timed. My mind races, saying positive things to me like "Focus, focus, focus" or "you're reading, and you're doing well, you understand this," and no matter how encouraging I am to myself, it doesn't help ONE BIT. It just makes it worse.</p>
<p>I honestly don't know what to do.</p>
<p>It's tough, but I read the textbook, take notes by hand (even if the lecture was covered in class,) then type my notes up and reread those. It works for geology and economics. English I get from just reading, and math from constantly practicing problems.</p>
<p>I agree with what Euler321 said, although I'm curious if he/she takes notes or not. It helps a lot to see how what you're reading fits into the big picture.</p>
<p>most schools have a study skills center. You should visit it if one exists at your school.</p>
<p>There are many books about improving study skills, as well as lots of websites. Here's a link to get you started. Helpful</a> Study Skills Links</p>