Structured annotation is a technique that can be used to increase student engagement and improved reading comprehension. Completing reading assignments prior to class is a learning activity that students often do not complete or engage in passively leading to limited understanding of the content. The iPad and Apple Pencil can be used in conjunction with structured annotation to make the process of reading homework an active learning experience and increase students’ understanding of the content.
Annotating is an active learning practice that uses a combination of reading and markup strategies to assist students in developing a deeper understanding of reading material. Annotating has been shown to be effective because it requires the reader to actively engage with the material. It is suggested that teachers use annotated readings as formative assessments and require their students to submit their annotations as assignments prior to discussing the material in class.
The following structured annotation guidelines can be shared with students to assist them in engaging in reading and annotation. It is recommended that the teacher take time to explain each of the steps and provide the students with examples.
Annotation Guide
Annotating consists of a combination of reading and markup strategies to more deeply understand a reading. Follow the steps listed below to guide you in annotating a reading assignment.
Get Started
- Save the reading being annotated as a pdf and open it in Books on the iPad
- Use the Apple Pencil and Markup on the iPad to create annotations
Create an Annotation Key
- Create a key that identifies the different types of markup used and the type of information it indicates (questions, main idea, vocabulary terms)
- Use abbreviations, symbols and color coding to meet your needs and streamline the process
- Personalize it to meet your needs.
Scan
- This is a pre-reading step. Make a note of the title of the text, and subheadings to identify the topic of the text.
- Look for an abstract if there is one, as well as any bold or italicized words and phrases, which might offer further clues about the article’s purpose.
Skim
- This is a first read through to quickly identify the article’s main idea. Do this by reading just the first few lines of each paragraph.
- Identify and highlight/underline the main idea.
- Write a one or two sentence summary of the topic in the margins.
Read
- Read the text a second time in a thorough manner. Read it deliberately and pay attention to details that are important.
- Highlight or underline the supporting points or arguments in the body paragraphs, including relevant evidence or examples. Do not over-highlight but focus on main points.
- At the end of each section or paragraph, paraphrase and summarize key information in the margins.
- Identify unfamiliar vocabulary.
- Write down questions that come to your mind as you read.
- Write down your opinion, your thoughts, and reactions to the information in the text.
- Draw connections between ideas presented in the article to previous knowledge.
Resources
Sruthy (March 7, 2024). How to annotate and article: Learn annotation strategies. https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/how-to-annotate-an-article/
The Learning Center – University of North Carolina (2024). Highlighting. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/using-highlighters/
July 27, 2024
Hi Bob
Annotation is a such valuable tool that can enhance learning and comprehension. The process transforms passive reading into an active, interactive experience and enables students to deepen understanding, improve retention, and develop their critical thinking skills. Thank you for sharing how utilising technology can advance this further with clear, well thought out guidelines.
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