How does summarizing benefit students' understanding of texts?

Summarizing benefits students' understanding of texts primarily because it helps them distill information into main ideas. This process encourages learners to analyze the material, identify key concepts, and separate essential details from extraneous information. By focusing on the main ideas, students enhance their comprehension and retention, making it easier to connect their learning with what they already know. This skill is critical not only for academic tasks but also for effective communication and the synthesis of knowledge. The act of summarizing serves as a mental exercise that reinforces their understanding and fosters critical thinking.