Follow the SQ3R reading method to 'make meaning' from your text book readings.

Survey the Chapter

Read the title and subheadings as well as the introduction and summary
Establish the content and focus
Why? Gain a sense of what information will be covered and how it is organized
Question

Create questions (who, what, when, where, why and how) from titles, headings and keywords on topic areas that you expect to get answers from your reading.
Look at the questions at the end of the chapter, and find answers for them as you read.
Read

Read through the text with a focus on answering the questions
Pay attention to words that are underlined or in bold
As you read, answer the questions, develop new questions
While reading highlight important information this will save time when preparing for tests since the key points will be apparent.
Write notes on what you read, but put the information in your own words.
Re-read the parts that you are having difficulty understanding.
Recite

After a section and/or chapter, recite what you have read and answer your questions or think about how your instructor could use this information on a test.
Review

Students should review the assigned chapter readings several times throughout the semester. A minimum of 4 times is recommended:
As soon as you have finished reading the chapter for the first timeBefore each class, instructors will normally tell you what chapters need to be read ahead of time.After class along with the notes you took during class. When studying for the test and/or final exam