genuinegirly

Hal might remember this method from junior high.
It still works for me.

I take a piece of paper. Fold it in half lengthwise forming two columns.

On the right-hand side I jot down any words for which I don't recall the exact definition. Turns out they're usually key terms. I leave enough space to fill in definitions as I go along. I also draw sketches or diagrams here.
On the left-hand side I write a one-sentence summary (in my own words) of each paragraph of reading.

I number the pages to keep them in order, and make note of the chapter and section it corresponds with in the text. At the end of each chapter, I copy my summary column. If something doesn't make sense, I go back to that portion of the text and re-read, filling in details in my notes to clarify.

At the end of this procedure, I know the book well. I am able to recall which chapter I need to reference and can turn to it quickly. When I go back to study, I don't study my notes. Instead, I go back to the book - but I'm able to key in on the key phrases easily. I recall the active experience of taking notes and what I felt was important. It works for me.

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"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq

"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy