A reading strategy that WORKS. SQ4R Reading Method A reading strategy that WORKS.

SQ4R improves reading comprehension…and your grades! SQ4R…huh? Survey Question Read Recite Relate Review SQ4R improves reading comprehension…and your grades!

How it Works Before you read, SURVEY the chapter… The title, headings, and subheadings. Captions under pictures, charts, graphs, maps, etc. Review chapter questions and/or study guides. Usually at the end of a chapter. Introductory and concluding paragraphs. Chapter summary. You want to get an overview of the chapter’s contents. What is the chapter about? Put things in context…how does the chapter relate to other chapters?

How it Works QUESTION while you are surveying… Turn the title, headings, and/or subheadings into questions. Read questions at the end of chapters or after each subheading. Ask yourself: What did my instructor say about this chapter or subject when it was assigned? Ask yourself: What do I already know about this chapter/subject? For example: The chapter title “Forms of Government” might lead you to ask— What are the most common forms of government? How do the forms differ? How are they similar? Where are the different forms prominent? NOTE: It may be helpful for you to write out your questions.

How it Works When you begin to READ… Look for answers to the questions you first raised. Answer questions at the beginning or end of the chapter/study guide. Reread captions under pictures, graphs, etc. Note all the underlined, italicized, bold printed words and phrases. Study graphic aids…while you are reading. Reduce reading speed for difficult passages. Stop and reread parts that are not clear. Or, mark those areas and return to them. Read only one section at a time and recite after each section.

How it Works RECITE after you’ve read a section… Orally ask yourself questions about what you have just read and/or summarize, in your own words, what you read. Take notes from the text but write the information in your own words. Underline/highlight important points you’ve just read. Use the method of recitation which best suits your particular learning style. Remember to look for answers as you read, and recite or take notes before moving on. Recite key terms and concepts.

How it Works RELATE… It’s easier to remember ideas that are personally meaningful. How does the chapter content relate to you? How is it similar to something you’ve experienced? When you study a chapter, try to link new facts, terms, and concepts with information you already know. Also try and link the current chapter with other chapters in the text. How is the new information related to previous chapters…later chapters? Put the pieces of the puzzle together!

How it Works REVIEW… This is an ongoing process. When you’re done reading, skim back over the chapter, or read your notes. Then check your memory by reciting and quizzing yourself again. Make frequent review a key part of your study habits.

This PowerPoint presentation is the property of Northern Michigan University’s Academic & Career Advisement Center. It may not be reproduced without written consent. www.nmu.edu/acac Presentation content is adapted from West Virginia University Parkersburg Learning Center website. Source document is located at www.wvup.edu/academics/learning_center/sq4r_reading_method.htm