Chapter 6 Summarizing and Note Taking

Generalizations
To effectively summarize, students must delete some information, substitute some information, and keep some information.

To effectively delete, substitute, and keep information, students must analyze the information at a fairly deep level.

Be aware of the explicit structure of information is an aid to summarizing information.

Recommendations for classrooms

Word Processing Applications
A word processor is a computer application used to produce printable material.

One recommendation is to use rule based summarizing. This strategy provides students with a process to apply as they summarize and guides them. “Track changes” allow teachers and students to cross out any redundant information in a paragraph.

Organizing and Brainstorming Software
Inspiration

Multimedia
Enhance and present their summaries and notes

Web Resources
Some web resources put summarizing and note taking together

Communication Software
Helps students collaborate as they take notes and summarize
Wikis Blogs-effective way to implement the strategy of reciprocal teaching

Classroom Ideas
I would like to use the word processor in my classroom. This would be a great way to introduce the students on how to “eliminate” information that is not needed while summarizing. This program allows you to cross out information that is not needed.

Also brainstorming as a class is very important. Inspiration or kidspiration are great tools to use. If we were doing a unit on sea life, we could organize different sea animals according to what they eat.