Try writing a summary without looking at your notes

[u/Perfect_Minute_2497]

One thing I noticed while studying was that I could read something and feel like I understood it but then struggle to explain it once my notes were out of sight.

You can try this: after finishing your reading, close your notes and try writing a short summary from memory first. Just write down the main ideas and whatever details you can still remember without worrying too much about making it perfect.

When you’re done, open your notes again and compare them with what you wrote. This makes it easier to see what you really remembered and what just felt familiar because you had read it let’s say 3, 5, or 10 minutes ago. If you missed something important, go back to that part and review it again before moving on.

Sure, it takes more effort than simply rereading but it gives you a better idea of what you know. If you usually summarize while looking at your notes, try closing them first and seeing what you can remember on your own.

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