Using the SQ4R Method to Read Textbook Reading Lecture 3 Using the SQ4R Method to Read Effectively

The SQ4R Method (sometimes known As the SQ3R Method) Survey the chapter first. means to look through good warm-up activity to help you focus & prepare S increases your motivation, interest, & confidence helps you set goals & manage time stimulates learning process by laying foundation for grasping information

Q Question Make a question for each heading or subheading in the chapter. (Write it next to each heading in the book.) Q Ex. Chapter Heading-- “The Causes of the Civil War” So, how could you turn the above heading into a study question? What were the causes of the Civil War?

Questions give you a purpose for reading & help you concentrate How does writing questions help me learn better? Questions give you a purpose for reading & help you concentrate Questions also prepare you for future tests…you can study for a test by answering your own questions!

The 4 R’s of the SQ4R Method: Read Record Recite Review

R Read…very carefully. Read paragraphs one at a time, pausing to ask yourself what you just read. R Careful reading keeps you focused for better comprehension. Careful reading gives your memory time to process new info. before you start taking in more info. Careful reading promotes critical thinking…an essential skill for college students.

R Record information. *After careful reading, next step is to write down important info. R *5 Basic Choices for Note Taking Styles: 1.underlining or highlighting 2.writing notes in textbook margin 3.using Cornell System on separate paper 4.using mind maps 5.making notes on flashcards

Gives you shortened form of information you need to learn Why is the recording step so important?!! Gives you shortened form of information you need to learn When you write, you are actively involved in the learning process. Writing also involves fine motor skills, which sets up another channel into your memory system.

R Recite…What does recite exactly mean? It means repeatedly saying new facts & concepts OUT LOUD until you know them thoroughly. In other words, you can easily answer the questions you created from the chapter headings of the text… without looking at your notes! R

R Review…What does it mean to review? In a nutshell, “review” just means to study. R When you review, you put info. into long-term memory, so you can retrieve it when needed. Ongoing review keeps info. fresh in your memory. It also allows you to add & associate new info. with old info.

Wayne Merlman couldn’t find a highlighter, so he used a black magic marker to cross out all the stuff he didn’t want to read again. McPherson