Get the GIST

Written By Erica Levich

The GIST (Generating Interactions between Schemata and Text) strategy is a powerful tool within a multiple reads approach that helps students develop comprehension and synthesis skills.

Key Benefits:

  • Enhances Summarization Skills

  • Builds Comprehension through Chunking

  • Supports Critical Thinking & Synthesis

  • Promotes Active Reading

  • Aids Vocabulary & Concept Development

When to Use: Do you want to use the GIST strategy every time students have to read content? No. Being strategic and intentional about when to use strategies is something that is learned over years of teaching. Every day you’re in the classroom you’re naturally reflecting and refining your practice - just keep teaching and you’ll keep getting better! Use the GIST strategy when you want students to comprehend the text in order to apply their understanding of the content. What do you want them to do with their new knowledge? Keep the end in mind when planning activities for students to demonstrate understanding.

How to Implement: Use the GIST strategy as a first read of an academic text to help students understand the main idea.

After distributing the text (e.g., short passage, curriculum handout, word problem, etc.) give students 2-4 minutes to scan the text independently and think about the main idea, or what they’re being asked to do or solve. No markings should be made at this time.

After that time is up have them share their initial thoughts with a partner using the pair/share strategy.

Need help getting students to speak in class? Use sentence stems to help them get started.

Erica Levich