I.N.S.E.R.T.  Strategy:  Interactive Notation System for Effective Reading and Thinking  *

Procedure  (Approximate times are noted; can be done in 2 lessons)

1.  With a partner, make a list of all that you know about __________.  (3 minutes)

 Accuracy doesn't matter.  Write everything you know.  (NOTE:  This can also be done individually at the beginning and then with a partner.)

 2.  Share knowledge with the whole group.  (Put information on wall chart or overhead.)   Note disagreements, but do not try to resolve them.  (10 minutes)

 3.  Individual reading using the I.N.S.E.R.T. method  (Interactive Noting System for Effective Reading and Thinking.)*    (5 minutes demo; 15 minutes reading)  (NOTE:  If students can't write in texts, they can use transparencies, small post-its, etc..  Also, I usually use only 4 markings ( usually A, X, +, ??) as the number suggested by Vaughn/Estes can be overwhelming.

    Possible Markings include:  

A    I agree                       ??    Dont understand

    X    I disagree                   *      Important

    +    New information          B     Boring

    !    Wow                            C     Confusing  

    ?    I wonder 

4.  Discuss the reading with a partner; what is confirmed, disconfirmed? What was new?, etc.  (3 minutes)

5.  Review what whole group had on chart.  Which of the original  disagreements did article resolve?  What other sources might be used to confirm or disconfirm information?

6.  What categories of information did you find in the selection?  (10 minutes)

7.  Create web.  (15 minutes)  

 

*  Vaughn, J.L., & Estes, T.H. (1986).  Reading and reasoning beyond the primary grades.  Boston, MA:  Allyn & Bacon.