READING SQ3R Method

The SQ3R Reading Method Enhances understanding and retention of material that is read Not a quicker way to read a textbook, may require more time initially However, reduces the amount of time needed to study immediately prior to the test because of better understanding and retention of material

The 5 steps of the SQ3R Method Survey Question Read Recite Review

Survey Read the title to help focus on the topic Read the introduction and/or summary to get an overview of important points Read bold headings and subheadings to provide a framework for the concepts and details in the chapter Examine the graphics – diagrams, charts, maps, etc.

Survey (continued) Review any reading aids such as chapter objectives, definitions, italics, study questions at the end of the chapter The survey should probably take only 5-10 minutes for most chapters

Question Turn the bold headings and subheadings of each section into questions Write the questions on the left third of a piece of paper As you read each section, actively search for the answers to your questions This helps you become engaged in reading as a learning process

Read Reading a section fills in the information around the framework you have built by surveying the chapter and posing questions Read one section at a time, looking for answers to your questions and jotting them down on the right two-thirds of your paper Add more questions, if necessary depending on the length and content of the section

Read (continued) As you read, try to separate the details from the main idea of the section Use details to help understand and remember the main ideas, but don’t attempt to memorize every detail as you are reading

Recite Reciting as you read helps you to concentrate and learn while you read Recite at the end of each section Use the questions you developed in step 2 and answered in step 3 Cover your answers and see if you can answer the questions from memory

Recite (continued) If you can’t recall an answer, reread the section (or the part of the section which relates to that question) and try again to recite the answer Proceed through the other sections of the chapter repeating these three steps – question, read, recite – until you are comfortable with the information

Review Since we learn through repetition, a review of the entire chapter will enhance recall of the information Go back over all of your questions, covering your answers to see if you can still recite the answers from memory If you have forgotten some of the answers, reread that section and try again

When to use SQ3R No study strategy is useful 100% of the time Different strategies work in different situations SQ3R is generally least useful for reading math textbooks which concentrate on problem solving, foreign language textbooks which concentrate on vocabulary and grammar, and various works of fiction

When to use SQ3R (continued) SQ3R is generally an excellent technique for reading textbooks, such as history, sociology, psychology, and biology, that are heavy on information and require students to learn the material in depth SQ3R is also useful in classes where the professor lectures directly from the textbook

Action Plan for Using SQ3R Select one class in which to use this reading strategy Plan ahead – SQ3R takes time to implement effectively Read the chapter before it is discussed in class Identify information in the chapter that you do not understand so that you can ask the professor