You are taking a class and the text book is really hard to read. I mean the symbols are bunched together so close- it looks like another language. So you decide to find additional books that will explain the topic in a way that makes sense to you. Here is a short list of things I look for when choosing supporting text whether in print or on the internet.
- Does it have examples? When you are given a concept , it helps to see an example and it’s solution. A book that has no examples, is not very useful. If it mentions a regression equation, does it have a graph illustration?
- Does it have solutions in the back? Solutions give you a little guidance on the problem sets.
- Is there a probability distribution table in the back of the book? You need the table to calculate probabilities. All is not lost…You can download a table from the internet. But it is helpful to have off-line tables available. Especially on open book exams.
- Does it explain the concepts better for you? For example, take the standard deviation. You had trouble calculating it using your class text book. Find a source that explain the information in a way that you understand it. I would look at three different concepts (that gave you trouble) and see how the book handles it. Then decide from there….
-Moore to follow-Amy
