Synthesizing is the process of combining ideas from a text with already existing knowledge in order to form a new understanding or perspective.
When to do it
-
After reading the text
Reading intention
-
Make connections
-
Create new meaning
Outcome
-
Provides deeper understanding
-
Improves critical thinking
How to Do It
-
Gather information
-
Look for connections
-
Combine knowledge into new meaning
-
Gather Information
Activate your prior knowledge on the topic and put the information together.
What you know on the topic can come from different sources.
For example:
-
texts (books, articles, studies…)
-
multimedia
-
discussions
-
lectures
-
past experiences
-
Look for Connections
Look for connections between the new information read and what was already known on the topic.
Compare and contrast the information. Ask yourself questions like:
-
How is it similar or different from what I already know?
-
How does it confirm or challenge my understanding?
-
What new information does it add to what I already know?
-
How does it affect my point of view?
-
Combine Knowledge Into New Meaning
Use the previously made connections and the information gathered to develop a fresh perspective on the topic.
Examples of what to look for:
-
a new point of view/opinion
-
a new theory
-
a new narrative
-
a new concept
-
a previously unthought of solution
-
a personal reflection
-
a new creative idea
The synthesizing strategy is a dynamic process, not a checklist of actions to take. Each step taken can influence what the following steps will be and how they could be done or approached
→ Connections made in Step 2 may lead to gathering new information that wasn’t previously relevant, adding to the information gathered in Step 1.
→ Combined knowledge in Step 3 may lead to making new connections, previously not made in Step 2.
The synthesizing strategy should be seen as a tool for a deeper understanding and critical thinking that evolves and adapts as it is being used.
To learn more about a strategy, click its name.
|
Get an overview of the text. |
Quickly search & find information |
Ask yourself questions |
|
Create mental pictures |
Relate to the text |
Read between the lines |
|
Write down notes & comments |
Understand challenging words |
Sum up main idea & key elements |
|
Synthesizing |
||
|
Explore sources to come up with new perspectives |
Form an opinion on the quality of the text |
Look at the structure and techniques used |