* Improved Focus and Comprehension: The act of actively reading and underlining key information forces students to engage more deeply with the text. They aren't passively skimming; they're consciously selecting important details. This deeper engagement leads to better comprehension.
* Identification of Key Concepts: Underlining helps students identify the main ideas and supporting details. This is crucial for answering many test questions which focus on understanding central themes and facts.
* Filtering Out Irrelevant Information: The "eliminate" part is particularly powerful. By identifying and crossing out irrelevant or distracting information, students reduce the cognitive load and avoid confusion when answering questions. This is especially helpful in passages with complex or dense information.
* Enhanced Recall and Retention: The process of actively selecting and underlining information aids memory consolidation. When students review their underlined material, they're more likely to remember the key points.
* Targeted Study: Underlined sections provide a concise roadmap for review. Students can focus their study efforts on the most important parts of the text, making efficient use of their time.
* Improved Test-Taking Skills: The RUE strategy simulates the process of identifying relevant information under timed conditions, a crucial skill for effective test-taking.
However, it's important to note that the RUE strategy isn't a magic bullet. Its effectiveness depends on the student's ability to accurately identify key information and eliminate distractions. A student who underlines too much or underlines irrelevant information won't benefit as much. The strategy is most effective when combined with other good study habits, such as active recall and spaced repetition.