SQ3R is a preferred reading/study system for many educators.
You can add 10-15% more time to a study session. However, it can produce a 70% improvement in retention according to some researchers.
The acronym SQ3R stands for:
- S = Survey
- Q = Question
- R = Read
- R = recite
- R = revision
MONITOR:
Take five minutes to get an overview of the material, paying particular attention to organization and content.
Look for diagrams, maps, images, graphs. Take note of headings, bold type, italicized words.
ASK:
Generate interest in the material by asking the main questions: what, who, where, when, how.
Keeping your mind focused on these questions as you read keeps you interested in the material.
Ask yourself, “What is probably the most difficult part of this material to understand or remember?”
READ:
Find answers to your questions from the previous stage. This means active reading. Summarize the main points in your own words, perhaps with notes in the margin.
Read the entire paragraph first, then go back and underline key words or phrases.
Caution when underlining: don’t overdo it or nothing will stand out.
RECITE:
Without looking at your material, recite the main points. Answer the questions you posed in Step 2 (Question) in your own words.
If you can’t explain it in your own words, you don’t understand it, even if you think you do!
Check your answer by reviewing the text.
REVIEW:
After applying the above four stages to your material section by section, review the entire lesson at the end.
Note the parts that didn’t come to mind so easily and double check the material.
Reread your notes in the margin and the underlined words and phrases. Verbalize the sequence of main points.
Do this frequently within a two-day period.
That’s SQ3R in a nutshell. Sounds like hard work? Yes. But apply yourself and you will see how your retention capacity skyrockets!
