Learning_Skills

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See Image Credit p. 14
Summary Writing—Marzano Information
Effective summarizing leads to an increase in learning. Helping a learner recognize how information is
structured will help them summarize what they read or hear. For example, summarizing of a reading
assignment can be more effective when done within summary frames, which typically include a series of
questions the teacher provides to focus attention to specific content (Marzano, Pickering, & Pollock, 2001).
Students who can effectively summarize learn to synthesize information, a higher‐order thinking skill
(HOTS) which includes analyzing information, identifying key concepts, and defining extraneous information.
Key Research Findings
 Students have to analyze information at
a deep level in order to decide what
information to ignore, what to
substitute, and what to keep when they
are asked to give a summary
(Anderson, V., & Hidi, 1988/1989; Hidi
& Anderson, 1987).
 Reading comprehension increases
when students learn how to use
"summary frames" as a tool for
summarizing (Meyer & Freedle, 1984).
Summary frames are a series of
questions created by the teacher and
designed to highlight critical passages
of text. When students use this
strategy, they are better able to
understand what they are reading,
identify key information, and provide a
summary that helps them retain the
information (Armbruster, Anderson, &
Ostertag, 1987).
Visit
to locate useful links to
Graphic Organizers and example
Summary Frames.
Purpose: Improve Writing Skills
GOAL
(2005). RESEARCHED-BASED STRATEGIES, Summarizing and Note Taking. Focus on Effectiveness. Retrieved 03, 2011, from
[ No longer a viable link].
NOTE: These materials are in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. The following acknowledgment is
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totallyPic.com, iStock/thinkstock
DoDEA Virtual High School (DVHS)
Strategy: Summary Writing