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What is a Summary?

CPD: Generative Learning (by Zoe & Mark Enser), topic 2.1.1

What is a Summary?

An explanation to summaries and summarising in terms of generative learning.

Everyday context

Everyday context

  • Summary is a common process used in everyday life. It can crop up when we retell stories, reflect on past events and think about earlier conversations.
  • Summarising involves abbreviating, selecting important points and redacting the unnecessary.
Generative learning

Generative learning

  • Summarising in generative learning requires students to collage and reorganise the main points from their learning.
  • This can happen at different points in the learning process.
Increased efficacy

Increased efficacy

  • Summarising is the most effective where the learning is not reliant on spatially complex material.
  • For example, diagrams and tables already present condensed or synthesised data.

Test yourself on What is a Summary?

  • When is summarising the most effective?

  • Choose the correct statement about summarising.

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