Assignment Task:
In ED 500, you will be assigned various articles to read and summarize. These assignments serve two main purposes. First, the articles will build upon what you read in your text, thereby, expanding your understanding of the material. Secondly, the article summary assignments will allow you to practice your skills of reading and synthesizing academic research and policy briefs. You will use these skills in your future classes.
Your summaries must include a description of the article's purpose, a discussion of two main points from the article, and a discussion of what the article means to you. Be sure to follow the directions below and read the assigned articles carefully.
Article Summary Content Requirements
- In the first paragraph, introduce the article. Your introduction should include a description of the article's purpose, audience, and significance. Why was the article written? Who was it written for? Why is it important/ why did it need to be written?
- In the second and third paragraphs, describe two key points from the article. The points can be something you think is particularly important or interesting; however, they should also be central to the article. You should summarize the key points in your own words. Don't forget to use in-text citations when paraphrasing. For each point, provide sufficient detail to show that you truly understand the article.
- In the final paragraph, describe what this article means to you. What experiences have you had with the topic? What do you take away from it?
Article Summary Formatting Requirements
- Your critique must be typed in Microsoft Word, 12-point font, 1" margins on all sides, and double spaced.
- The summary should be between approximately 500-650 words.
- No abstract is required; do not include a title page. Do not include a header or any other information on the summary page.
- The summary must include references in APA format. The only source you should reference for the summary is the assigned article. Include in-text citations when needed and a reference list.
If you need help with APA formatting, you can consult the APA Resources Page in Blackboard, the APA Manual, the APA Website, or the Purdue OWL Website.
- Use direct quotes sparingly. You are expected to summarize the article in your own words. By paraphrasing, you show that you truly understand the article. You will lose points if your summary primarily consists of quoted material.