I have to agree with you Jennifer. Summarization is a key in our daily lives, but not one that we think about often, at least I didn’t until reading this chapter. As a teacher it’s easy to get into the same old rut and do what we are comfortable with. I know a fault I see in myself after reading this chapter is not using summarization effectively enough. We would summarize at the end of chapters or lessons, mainly in reading class, and not do much with the information. After reading this chapter I see that the mini summarizations throughout a lesson will be more effective for retention and will help guide the instruction. I will be able to see at exactly what point I lost a student and can quickly fix misunderstandings.
It also made me feel better that the authors were thinking that three good summarizations a week made for a good week. Thinking in those terms makes it seem doable and will make me think about what lessons I think hold the most important information for the week. Then I can plan for good summarization activities around them.
I must admit, I laughed when I read your post before I read chapter 1. How can she be looking forward to chapter 2? She’s just saying that because it sounds good. But, like you, after reading chapter 1, I glanced at chapter 2 and am also excited about learning the new things I see. I know I have a lot to learn on the subject and I need some new ideas. I don’t want to teach “parrots-in-training.”