What is crucial to do during the reading process to better retain information?

During the reading process, actively thinking about what you have just read is crucial for better retention of information. This involves engaging with the material beyond mere surface-level understanding. When you pause to reflect on the content, you are more likely to internalize the concepts, establish connections to prior knowledge, and enhance comprehension. This active engagement not only aids in memorization but also deepens your understanding of the subject matter.

While other strategies like highlighting key phrases, taking notes, or rereading can also be useful, they may not provide the same cognitive engagement as reflective thinking. Highlighting emphasizes key points but doesn't compel you to process the information deeply. Taking notes is beneficial for organization but again may not require as much personal engagement. Rereading can be effective for clarifying difficult passages but still leans on the idea of passive review rather than active thought. Reflective thinking, on the other hand, promotes a more active involvement in the learning process, which is critical for long-term retention.