What is the difference between studying and reading a subject at university?

The difference between studying and reading a subject at university lies primarily in the depth of engagement and the intended outcome. While reading is a component of studying, studying encompasses a much broader range of activities aimed at achieving a deeper understanding and demonstrating that understanding.

Reading:

* Focus: Primarily on absorbing information presented in texts (books, articles, etc.).

* Goal: Understanding the content of the material at a surface level. Might involve highlighting, taking notes, but not necessarily processing or applying the information.

* Outcome: Familiarity with the subject matter. Might be able to recount facts or summarise arguments.

Studying:

* Focus: Actively engaging with the material to achieve a deeper, more nuanced understanding and the ability to apply that knowledge.

* Goal: Mastering the concepts, analyzing information critically, synthesizing different sources, and potentially creating new knowledge or perspectives.

* Outcome: A demonstrable understanding of the subject matter, including the ability to analyze, evaluate, interpret, apply, and create new work based on the knowledge acquired. This is often demonstrated through assignments, exams, projects, and presentations.

Here's an analogy: Reading a textbook on cooking is like looking at a recipe. Studying cooking involves reading the recipe, understanding the techniques, experimenting with different ingredients, practicing the skills, and ultimately producing a delicious dish.

In short, reading is a tool used within studying. Studying utilizes reading, but it also includes critical thinking, problem-solving, research, collaboration, and the creation of original work. The university experience emphasizes studying far more than simply reading.