The SQ3R Method

If you want to be an efficient reader and improve your study skills, try the SQ3R Method.  Five easy steps to help you read faster and retain more: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. 

Survey – Before reading your material, survey it.  Find out what you're going to read BEFORE you read it.  Always read the introductory and concluding paragraphs, as well as the summary.  Focus on the chapter titles, headings, and captions under the pictures.   Also read any review questions and/or teacher-made study guides.   Surveying the material is much like reviewing a map before heading out for a car trip.

Question - Ask yourself, what is this chapter about? What question will this chapter answer?  What question do I have that this chapter might help answer?  Look at the first heading in the chapter. Turn it into a question.  Asking questions focuses your concentration on what you need to learn.

Read - When you read, read actively. This is not running your eyes over the words as you daydream about your weekend plans.  Read to answer the questions you asked yourself or those your teacher or author has asked. Pay attention to bold or italicized print because the authors want this material to receive special emphasis. And be sure to read everything.  Don’t ignore tables, graphs and illustrations -- these visuals can convey an idea more powerfully than written text.

Recite - Once you've read an initial section, shut your book and try to recite the answers to your questions, using your own words and examples. Try to recall important ideas presented in bold or italicized type.  What did the graphs or charts illustrate? If you can do this, it means that you understand the material. If you can't, glance over the section again. Once you have the answers to your questions, write down some notes about the information you feel is important.

Review - After reading the entire assignment, test your memory by asking yourself the questions you've identified. Review your notes for an overview of the chapter.  What are the implications or applications of this material? What questions are you left with?  If you don’t have a good handle on the material, you need to reread.

Questions? Add comments below or email Angela at In-Home Tutors.

Comments

[Mark Pennington]

An update on the SQ3R method (with a better research base) is the PQRAR method. Check this easy-to-use read/study method at Read-Study Method.

[Mark Pennington]

PQRAR is found at http://penningtonpublishing.com/blog/reading/how-to-read-textbooks-with-pq-rar/