Those people who have a high degree of visual memory can find in the support of a synoptic table a support tool to synthesize a study topic. What are the main characteristics of this support resource?
Central theme
It is only possible to make a synoptic table starting from a concrete, specific and contextualized field of reality. Otherwise, it would be impossible to schematically approach an undefined entity. The Central theme is the story line of this synthesis, it is essential to endow the synoptic table with an intrinsic coherence. It is recommended that the central theme does not include more than two main theses. These main ideas are the starting point to deepen in this direction from the development of the information that complements this data.
Read the study topic
The process of preparing a table of this type is easier when you previously understand the general content of the topic. The synoptic table is a support resource that in no way replaces the main content. To do this, read the topic carefully and consult those terms that you do not know in the dictionary. In addition, it underlines the main ideas of the text since this previous work will serve as a basis for synthesizing the relevant information in a synoptic table.
Even before starting to write the ideas in the synoptic table, you have to dedicate time to this preliminary phase, which is decisive to increase the level of understanding regarding the main topic. For example, select the main ideas, identify the secondary points, and see which information is repeated most often.
An optimal prior understanding of the subject facilitates the realization of the synoptic table. Otherwise, the confusion multiplies the doubts.
Organizing ideas
A synoptic table has many similarities to a conceptual map. The main function of both study strategies is synthesis. However, in the case of a synoptic table, keys are used to organize ideas. It is also possible to use arrows. The process of making such a painting follows the movement from left to right. Therefore, it is in that direction that the keys should be oriented. In fact, you can craft a synoptic table to later develop a creative concept map that has your personal stamp on it.
Thanks to the evolution of new technologies, you can find useful resources to design your own synoptic tables. One of the means that can serve as a reference is Lucidchart.
The main purpose of a synoptic table is not only to organize the information, but also to simplify what is complex at first. By getting involved in the elaboration of this graphic representation, you adopt a proactive attitude before the study.
This organization of ideas can start from the grouping of those terms that have a common link in the specific context of the study topic. Just as when you are a student it is recommended that you study from your own notes, no conceptual picture will have as much value for you as the one you have made yourself.
Therefore, the realization of a synoptic table is a process through which the student establishes constant associations of ideas and thanks to this support it is possible to go from the totality to the particular observing the logical connection that exists between the parts that make up the painting.