Reviewing
Introduction
Reviewing is the final stage in the academic reading process. All the other steps you've taken while reading--previewing, active reading, and summarizing--put the content into your head. Reviewing helps seal it in place, and makes sure it stays accessible when you need the information later.You can use a variety of strategies to review:
- quiz yourself using your questions
- review a chapter map you made while previewing or actively reading
- expand the map
- create vocabulary cards
- recall the information in writing or out loud
As you review, monitor your learning.
- What do you know well?
- What still needs reinforcement?
Reviewing in Action
In the days after I finish reading the chapter, I need to actively review the information and start to learn it well. Since I used the two-column note taking method while I was reading, I decide to quiz myself by covering the right side of my note page and asking myself the questions on the left. If possible, I recite my response aloud or write the answer on a scrap of paper. Then I check my answer against my notes. If I recall the answer correctly, I give myself a checkmark (✓); if incorrect, I give myself an X (✘).
What is a Mistake in contract law? |
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Example of a Mistake? |
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I work through the remainder of my notes in the same way. I repeat this process over several study sessions since I know I won’t have mastered the material after looking at it only once or twice! After a number of review periods, I am able to clearly see which areas I know and where I still need work.
What is a Mistake in contract law? |
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Example of a Mistake? |
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For variety in my study periods, I might also use my chapter map to test my recall of ideas. I might focus on one major topic and try to recall the sub-points and details related to that topic. Alternatively, I might put a section of the map, such as “Misrepresentation,” onto another page and expand the details there. I might also create vocabulary cards for specific terminology that I need to know. I can easily carry a bundle of cards with me and review when I have a few spare minutes.
Sample vocab card:
Front of card
MISTAKE (in contract law) |
Back of card
Definition: a circumstance where parties to a contract have entered an agreement that doesn’t reflect the parties’ actual intentions.
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These different review methods will help me to thoroughly understand and learn my course material. Regular review will also help me monitor my learning, helping me identify what I know well and what still needs work.