SQ3R it is a reading/study system preferred by 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 = review
DISPLAY:
Take five minutes to get an overview of the material, paying special attention to organization and content.
Find diagrams, maps, images, graphs. Take note of headings, bold font, italicized words.
QUESTION:
Build interest in the material by asking the main questions: what, who, where, when, how.
Keeping our minds focused on these questions as we read keeps our interest in the material.
Ask yourself, “What is probably the hardest part of this material to understand or remember?”
READ:
Look for 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 the 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 checking the text.
REVISION:
After applying the above four steps 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 sentences. Verbalize the sequence of main points.
Do this frequently within a two day period.
That’s SQ3R in a nutshell. Sound like hard work? Yes. But apply yourself and you will see how your retention capacity skyrockets!