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Summarising Readings






Mind mapping can help you understand and remember the important issues in your readings.
We suggest you follow 5 steps in creating mind maps which summarise your readings.



1. Skim

Firstly, read the abstract, introduction , conclusion, key headings or chapter headings. When skimming through the text observe any diagrams, pictures or graphs. This gives you an overview of what you are about to read, puts it in context and may already give you some clues as to where the most relevant parts are located.


2. Read

Read the article in one sitting ( or chunk it into sections/chapters if it is a whole book) and go over any parts you are not quite sure of.


3. Mind Map

It is important to do the mind map from memory at this stage so don't consult the article or any other source of information.


4. Study

The mind map you have just done is very valuable as it will show both areas you have understood and also areas you are not sure of. Study your mind map to discover the gaps in your knowledge and refer back to the source material to fill in any of these gaps.


5. Personalise

Using different colours or symbols, add your own comments and questions to the mind map. Questions relating to relationships, implications, alternative approaches, usefulness, clarity, personal experience could all be considered at this stage. It is in this personalising stage where your mind map really starts to help you with your learning. The trick now is to address all those questions you have raised and to keep returning to your mind map with the answers!