NOTETAKING AND STUDY SKILLS The SQRW Method

SQRW – Survey, Question, Read, Write What exactly is SQRW? ◦Well, it’s a study method where you get the best out of textbook study. It’s a 4-step strategy and each letter denotes one step so let’s go through it and see how it could make your study life a little bit easier! ◦Each letter stands for a step in the method ◦As you learn about each step, underline the words that will help you remember what to do for that step

SQRW – Survey, Question, Read & Write Survey – Survey the title, the pictures, the graphs, maps or tables, introduction, summary and conclusion. This will give you an overall grasp of what the chapter is about. ◦Title  Found at beginning of the chapter  Tells the general topic of the chapter ◦Introduction  Gives an overview of the information in the chapter  Found in the first paragraph or two of the chapter ◦Headings  Tell specific topics that will be covered in the chapter ◦Summary or Conclusion  Restates the main points made in the chapter  Provided generalization made from facts and ideas presented in the chapter  Usually found in last paragraph or two in the chapter

SQRW – Survey, Question, Read & Write Question - Ask questions in your mind and you’ll find you stay focused when reading and it also makes for better remembering. Don’t question the summary, introduction or conclusion – do it with everything else. Ask why, who, where, when, what and how! ◦Use the following words to change headings into questions: ◦ Who, What, Why, Where, When, How ◦Sometimes more than one question needs to be created per heading. ◦Write the question(s) on a pre-made note-taking form or document. (CORNELL NOTES) ◦Your teacher may ask these questions in class or on a test. Great study tool!

SQRW – Survey, Question, Read & Write Read – Time to read! Read to understand, read to answer the questions in your mind and read to remember. As you answer each question, make sure you stay focused on the subject. Write -- Write each question and answer down and read through it carefully. Voila you’re ready to participate in your class discussion or ace your test! ◦Again, use your notetaking book or your Cornell notes form.