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Summarizing and Note Taking

from Classroom Instruction that Works Robert J. Marzano, Debra, J . Pickering, Jane E. Pollock, MCREL, 2001.

Summary of Research on Summarizing

Sometimes summarizing and notetaking are referred to as mere "study skills". However, they are two of the most powerful skills students canacquire. Summarizing and note taking provide students with tools for identifying and understanding the most important aspects of what they are learning.
  • 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.
  • Being aware of the explicit structure of information is an aid to summarizing information.
 
Classroom Practice in Summarizing

  • Rule-Based Strategy follows a set of rules or steps to develop a summary.
  • Summary Frames use a series of questions designed to highlight the critical elements for specific types of information.
    • Reciprocal Teaching involves summarizing, questioning, classifying and predicting.
    Summary of Research on Note Taking
    • Verbatim is the least effective way to take notes.
    • Notes should be considered a work in progress.
    • Notes should be used as study guides for tests.
    • The more notes that are taken, the better.
    Classroom Practice in Note Taking
    • Teacher-Prepared Notes are one of the most straight forward uses of notes.
    • Variety of formats: Informational Outlines, Webbing and Combination Notes.
    Technology Resources

    Title:  Summary Frames
    Grade Level(s):
    Curricular Area(s):
    Description:  A series of questions designed to highlight the critical elements for specific types of information.
    Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):

    Microsoft Word Files:

    Title:  Cornell Notes
    Grade Level(s):
    Curricular Area(s):
    Description:
    Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):

    Title:  Visual Representation Clues for Notetaking
    Grade Level(s):
    Curricular Area(s):
    Description:
    Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):
    Title:  NoteStar
    Grade Level(s): 4-12
    Curricular Area(s): All
    Description:  NoteStar assists in taking notes from online sources. Using the NoteStar NoteCards tool, students can take notes from online sources as they browse the Internet. Source information (i.e. title, url, etc.) is automatically captured in order to assist in work citation. Once their notes are gathered, students may then organize their notes to suit their project's goals. NoteStar benefits teachers as well. Once a teacher has assigned a NoteStar project to their students, they may return to monitor their student's progress at any time. Based on a student or group's progress, the teacher may provide feedback.
    Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):
    Title:  Notetaking Resources
    Grade Level(s):  K-12
    Curricular Area(s):
    Description:
    Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):
    Software Applications


    Title:  Inspiration/Kidspiration
    Grade Level(s):  K-12
    Curricular Area(s):  All
    Description:  Creates webbing and outline formats. Use the link below to download a free trial.
    Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):
    Title:  Notebook™
    Grade Level(s):  K-12
    Curricular Area(s):  All
    Description:  NoteBook helps you keep track of notes, clip content, and share information.
    Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):
    Title:  Pico-Map
    Grade Level(s):  K-12
    Curricular Area(s):
    Description:  Handheld resource tool. Use the link below to download a free trial.
    Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):
    Other Resources

    Title: Quantum Note Taking
    Grade Level(s): K-12
    Curricular Area(s):  All
    Description:  This booklet series provides skills for all ages that can be applied to every area of learning and interest.
    Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):
       
    • WebSite Link:  QuantumNote Taking - Books and other resources to purchase.
    • FlipBook--from Read Write and Think--allows you to personalize a flipbook for note taking. Excellent resource!