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
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Gather information
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Look for connections
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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.
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Get an overview of the text. |
Quickly search & find information |
Ask yourself questions |
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Create mental pictures |
Relate to the text |
Read between the lines |
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Write down notes & comments |
Understand challenging words |
Sum up main idea & key elements |
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Synthesizing |
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Explore sources to come up with new perspectives |
Form an opinion on the quality of the text |
Look at the structure and techniques used |