** Please Note that I am not a native English speaker, so I apologize for any grammar mistakes. **Â
Iâm not very good at summarizing. I never have been. I only end up confusing myself and feeling like a huge failure.
Since Iâve been doing Distance Learning, I really didnât have any other choice than to summarize. This is how I do it.Â
1. Make a list beforehand of what you need to study.Â
Go through your textbook, write down all of the headings and subheadings along with any other information that you think is important. Take your time doing this as this list will serve as a guide once you start studying for your exam(s). You can tick off each heading/subheading as you study when youâre confident that you know your work. By doing this, youâll know what you need to work on or spend some extra time on.
2. Choose a color scheme that works for you -Â and stick to it! Â
3. Always read through the paragraph before highlighting.
Read. Read. Read. There is absolutely no point in just highlighting sentences/words that look important. Youâll only end up wasting your time and confusing yourself. The whole process will be so much easier if you actually understand what you are reading.
4. Use sticky notes to add information/answers to questions.
5. Use diagrams/flow charts or any other visual aids that will help you to understand better.
6. Always try and simplify as you go along.
Try and summarize in your own words. Try and simplify it as much as possible. Use other resources - the internet, teachers, other students etc. to help you understand better.
I always have this quote in the back of my mind when summarizing:
âIf you canât explain it to a six-year-old, you donât understand it yourself.â - Albert EinsteinÂ
This isnât always easy. Sometimes textbooks can over complicate simple things and confuse you even more. Always, always, always try to simplify as much as possible.This will help you so much in the long run.
Donât you just hate reading long, never-ending paragraphs?!
Donât be afraid to break down paragraphs while reading.
It will save you some time once you start summarizing because you can break up long paragraphs into bullet points.
It makes it easier to read, too.
8. Always keep a pencil nearby.
This is great for making some NB or ??? notes on the side or just a * if you need to look up a word etc.
9. Google is your friend.
Donât know the meaning of a word? Google it. Use one of the synonyms to simplify your summaries. This is a life saver ;)
10. Take breaks. Please. And drink water.
Sitting at your desk for hours on end without a break is not good for you. Headaches, back pain, numb feeling in your legs, stiff neck, wrist pain etc. etc.Â
Get up. Stretch. Go for a short walk. Watch a YouTube video. Listen to a song. Eat a snack. Moderation is key, though. Always remember: your health is important.Â
Iâll post an update later about what kind of note taking method I use!
These tips are based on my own experience, if you have anything to add, please feel free to. :)
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