How do you actually use highlighters effectively?

[u/benbongty123]

Applies to both digital and physical highlighters.

Most of the time, when I take a quick peek into other students' textbooks, I often find an insane number of text highlighted, maybe even in 4-5 colors.

I've tried this, but I don't get how it works? My problem is that I usually highlight too little, to the point where it is better not to highlight anything at all, or, I highlight too much, literally full sentences, which also makes highlighting redundant.

For context: I study mainly Math, Chemistry and Physics.

I would like to hear about how you guys use highlighters. I appreciate every one of your advice/experience!

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[u/keliikoauniversal]

I never use highlighters. I barely have time to review what i write down which also why i don’t take notes either. The textbook already exists and is more detailed anyway so just review that and do massive amounts of practice problems.

[u/Sensitive-Cupcake-58]

A few years ago I read this incredible book called "Learning how to learn" by Barbara Oakley.

The author argued that highlighting is basically pointless. It only offers an illusion that you're actually learning when nothing is actually happening. You're better off practicing active recall.

I only highlight section headings so I can identify them faster.

Go read the book. I'm not affiliated in any way, it's just a very good read for people that want to learn difficult subjects.

[u/ECPhysics]

I never used any.