Providing Students Structure to Assist Summarizing
Bill Blynt
Mar 01, 2010
A great deal of research has been conducted on the impact that student summarization has on learning. The meta-analysis of this research conducted by Robert Marzano, Debra Pickering and Jane Pollock and released in the book Classroom Instruction that Works concludes that when students summarize their learning on a consistent basis, achievement levels improve substantially. Providing a structure for students to organize their thoughts prior to being asked to summarizing can increase the quality of the summary. Because most students are visual learners, the use of a visual tool (graphic organizer) can assist them as they organize information learned during a lesson to later be used in the summarizing process. It is the process of summarizing that increases understanding and retention of new material.
When using graphic organizers to assist students, select an organizer that matches the text structure of a reading assignment or the type of summary students will be asked to perform after participating in a learning activity. It is critical to purposely select an organizer aligned to the expected outcome. Model how to use the organizer before expecting students to use it own their own. Graphic organizers encourage students to manipulate the data provided in a reading selection, class notes or any type of learning activity. According to Dr. Kylene Beers, Professor of Reading at the University of Houston, "Graphic organizers are tools that help your brain think." As students complete the organizer they are able to manipulate information, refine their thinking and make connections. These connections form the basis of their summary.
Below are websites that are a rich source of graphic organizers:
http://toolbox.learningfocused.com/?action=example_gos (login to Toolbox, go to Tools, then select Graphic Organizer Templates)
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingp...ecificgos.html
http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/SCORE/actbank/torganiz.htm
http://www.edhelper.com/teachers/graphic_organizers.htm (six free downloads)
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/gra...able/6293.html
http://teacher.scholastic.com/tools/
http://www.writedesignonline.com/organizers/
http://www.thinkport.org/Technology/template.tp
http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic73.htm
http://my.hrw.com/nsmedia/intgos/html/igo.htm
http://www.cast.org/publications/ncac/ncac_go.html
