Independent Study Methods

Unit 3
Effective strategies for learning skills

Topic 1
Study techniques

Solange E. Guerrero, Mgs.

» Subtopics:   
  
3. Main and secondary ideas,
inference and summary
 Learning Objective
Discover ways to memorize effectively by

techniques and exercises that associate

with letters, maps and more.

 Main Ideas and supporting
details

Effective communication of ideas usually comprises two

parts:
• Main idea (topic sentence)
• Reasons or details develop the main idea
 The main idea is characterized
by:
- Exposing the most important content, therefore it cannot be deleted.

- It has autonomy, it does not depend on others.

- Articulate the sentences in the paragraph.

- Sometimes it is not explicit and has to be deduced

How to identify the main idea of a text?

Read - The text, paragraph by paragraph, and extract the most

important ideas, which will give you the general idea extracted
from the entire text.

Resume - These ideas in your own words, this will mean that you
have understood correctly.

Elaborat - The main idea, extracted from the reading of the entire
text, but still understanding the reading.

e - The title of the text, for another one that you think is more in
accordance with it, and that also helps your total knowledge of
the matter.

Change
Example:
Most textbook paragraphs are made up of this
two-part structure.

A main idea is advanced, and then supported

with specific reasons, details, and facts.
 • Main idea:
• My neighbours are discourteous.
Example:
• Supporting details:
1. They let their kids play on my lawn and,
2. They often have their stereo turned up late at night
Identifying topic sentence and main idea

Available at https://youtu.be/HSma9y-N-_Q
Video quiz: Topic sentence and supporting details.
Summary: How to find the main ideas and details?

Available at https://youtu.be/QWurgWyBmoo
 Inference
•In order to be • be an active reader who wants to make sense of the text
In order to at
good be good • monitor comprehension and repair misunderstandings
at inferencing,
inferencing, pupils • have a rich vocabulary
pupilsneed
needto:
to: • have a competent working memory

•Inferencing
Inferencingskills
skills • having a wide background knowledge
are also
are alsofacilitated
facilitated • sharing the same cultural background as that assumed
by the text.
by: by:
 Teacher models inference-making
Teachers "think aloud" their thoughts as they
read aloud to pupils

Teachers asking themselves questions that show

how they monitor their comprehension

Teachers make explicit the thinking processes

that result in drawing an inference

Available at https://youtu.be/1oqdI5JMJnM
How do you make an inference?
Schema
Pattern
Inference

judgment
 How to Summarize
A summary is a shorter version of a
The question will usually set a maximum
01 longer piece of writing. The summary
captures all the most critical parts of the
05 number of words
original but expresses them in a [much]
more temporary space.

Summarizing exercises are usually set to

02 test your understanding of the original, 06 Read the original quickly and try to
understand its main subject or purpose.
and your ability to re- state its main
purpose.

Summarizing is also a useful skill when Then you will need to reread it to understand
03 gathering information or doing research. 07 it in more detail.

The summary should be expressed - as Underline or make a note of the main issues.
04 far as possible - in your own words. It's
not enough to merely copy out parts of
08 Use a highlighter if this helps.

the original.
 How to Summarize
Look up any words or concepts you don't
know to understand the author's
09 sentences and how they relate to each
other.
Use this as the starting point for writing a

Draw up a list of the points - or make a
10 diagram. [A simple picture of boxes or a
spider diagram can often be helpful.
Write one or two sentences about the
13 paragraph that combines all the points
you have made.
The final summary should concisely and
14 accurately capture the central meaning

11 points you have identified. Focus your

attention on the main point. Leave out any
illustrative examples. Remember that it must be in your own

15 words. By writing in this way, you help

to re-create the meaning of the original
in a way which makes sense for you.
12 Write a sentence that states the central
idea of the original text.
 Example

Original text
• At a typical football match, we are likely to see players committing
deliberate fouls, often behind the referee's back. They might try to take
a throw-in or a free-kick from an incorrect but more advantageous
position in defiance of the clearly stated rules of the game. They
sometimes challenge the rulings of the referee or linesmen in an
offensive way which often deserves exemplary punishment or even
sending off. No wonder spectators fight amongst themselves, damage
stadiums, or take the law into their own hands by invading the pitch in
the hope of affecting the outcome of the match.
• [100 words]
Summary

Unsportsmanlike behaviour by
footballers may cause
hooliganism among spectators.
[9 words]
References
• Fry, R. (2014). How to Study. Open Road.
• S K, S. N., & Tay, C. H. (2017). Styles of Learning VAK. International Journal For
Innovative Research In multidisciplinary field. KEEFE, J. (1988).
• APRENDIENDO PERFILES DE APRENDIZAJE: MANUAL DE EXAMINADOR, RESTON VA.
ASOCIACIÓN NACIONAL DE PRINCIPAL DE ESCUELA DE SECUNDARIA.
• KOLB, D. (1977). APRENDIZAJE Y SOLUCIÓN DE PROBLEMAS. EN KOLB, D., RUBIN I.
& MCLNTYRE J., PSICOLOGÍA DE LAS ORGANIZACIONES: PROBLEMAS
CONTEMPORÁNEOS.
• KOLB, D. (2005). Departamento De Educación Secundaria Técnica Y Jefaturas De
Enseñanza. http://www.slideshare.net/mispowerpoints/estilos-de-aprendizaje

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