Summarizing

Rule-Based Summarizing

Following simple rules requires the cognitive processes of knowing when to delete, substitute, and keep information when summarizing.

Summary Frames

Summary frames help students to become aware of the explicit structure of information though a series of questions teachers provide to students. Answers to these questions help students identify what is important.

Here is a list of six types of summary frames:

• Narrative Frame
• Topic-Restriction-Illustration Frame
• Definition Frame
• Argumentation Frame
• Problem/Solution Frame
• Conversation Frame

Reciprocal Teaching

Reciprocal teaching promotes the analysis of information by having students take on the responsibility of leading the summating of information, questioning, clarifying, and predicting.

1. Note Taking
2. Specific Strategy
3. Description

Informal Outlining

Informal outlining is accomplished when main ideas are identified, listed, and supported by the listing of the essential details. Verbatim notes are not effective. The more notes, the better. Students should revisit their notes.

Webbing

Webbing is creating notes about key points using visual representations, typically circles. The importance and relationships of the key points are shown through relative size of and connections between the circles.

Combination Notes

Combination notes combine informal outlining, webbing, and summarizing. A page is divided into three sections. The last section, segmented across the bottom, is reserved for summary statements.