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Summarisation at Work

CPD: Generative Learning (by Zoe & Mark Enser), topic 2.1.3

Summarisation in the Classroom

Summary is a staple tool in the English classroom.

English Language GCSE

English Language GCSE

  • Summary is a core component and assessment objective of the English Language GCSE.
  • Students must demonstrate their ability to select and synthesise information from texts. This often appears in the form of a summary question.
Summarising activities

Summarising activities

  • Teachers can encourage metacognitive strategies by ensuring students reflect on their learning and how they have presented their strategies.
  • Shorter, single-sentence summaries can support understandings of complex or longer texts.
Cornell notes

Cornell notes

  • Cornell notes are an effective method that combines different generative learning strategies: summary, drawing, mapping and self-testing.
  • Use a divided page to make notes.
  • Add questions or identify key points in the margin.
  • Write a textual summary at the bottom.
  • Diagrams, maps, drawings, keywords and phrases can all be included.

Test yourself on Summarisation at Work

  • Which of the following is NOT a core component of Cornell note-taking?

  • Does summary have a place in the UK academic curriculum?

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