Try the ‘THIEVES’ Technique to Make Reading More Engaging When You’re Studying
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There are many popular study methods to choose from and they can all work well depending on the type of learner you are. The THIEVES method is a method that is not talked about as often. Use it the next time you’re starting a new chapter for school or need to retain lots of new information for work.
What is the THIEVES method?
The THIEVES reading technique, recommended by universities like Kent State, is designed to encourage you to think critically as you read. THIEVES is an acronym for the following elements of your content:
The purpose of using this method is to determine what you want to learn from the chapter and how the information in it is related. By writing down each of the seven categories before you begin, you will set the stage for getting an overview of the content before you begin to dig into it, similar to how the SQ3R or KWL methods work.
How to Use the THIEVES Reading Method
Write down your seven categories – and I want to write them down, because writing by hand can help with memorization. You can of course use your phone or a Word document if you want, but if you’re looking for portability and modern convenience, I recommend writing by hand and then scanning your notes when you’re done.
After noting the categories, Ttitle to SSummarizing, and leaving some space under each, start writing down what you want to gain from each. Below TIn this title, ask yourself what you think the text is about and what you already know about it from the title. Below HAs you read, ask yourself why the information has been divided this way, what you think you will learn in each section, and how the subtopics might relate to the bigger picture. From there, start reading, but make notes every time you come across one of the THIEVES items. For example, after the Introduction, write down what made you curious about the rest of the chapter after reading it, and be sure to do the same afterward Every first sentence of a section. Every time you come to a graph, image, or table, write in your Visuals section on what each represents and what they could tell you about the content and overview.
At EThen, write down notes about how the author ended the chapter and what you learned, as well as what you might learn in the future related to what you just went through. Finally, Ssummarize your reading, noting what you think is the author’s main idea and your overall understanding of the main themes and concepts.
What do you think of it so far?
This is a more structured form of close reading, a reading technique that requires you to pause and consider every little detail of a text. The author, editor, and professor all have reasons why they want you to read something, why details have been left in or out, and why the material presented in the text is relevant. Everything in there matters in one way or another, and that’s what close reading is designed to help you understand. When you use THIEVES, you give yourself a roadmap to make close reading even easier.
During the “summarize” part, try blurting out or writing down everything you remember, then checking your notes against the material. You can also try creating a mind map, which helps you visualize the connections between your concepts. If you have difficulty with these, reread the material until you remember enough to move on to the summary. This may take a few passes.
Doing this before and while you read will help you stay engaged as you go, and it will give you notes to return to when you revise in the future. Use Distributed Study to determine how often you need to review these notes before your next big test.
