The document provides an overview of the SQ3R study method. It explains that SQ3R is an acronym for the five steps of the method: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. It then describes each step in detail. The Survey step involves previewing the text by looking over headings and first sentences. The Question step has students generate questions from the headings. The Read step is when students read to answer their questions. Recite involves putting information in their own words. Review is revisiting the material. The document outlines advantages such as improved retention but also notes disadvantages like the time intensity.
4. Introduction:
What is the SQ3R study method?
SQ3R is a study method designed to improve the reading comprehension
of students.
SQ3R is an acronym for the five steps of the system: Survey, Question,
Read, Recite, and Review.
The SQ3R study method is based on the information processing theory of
learning and it was originally developed by Francis P. Robinson, a pioneer
in literacy theory, in 1941.
5. Steps of SQ3R:
These are the five steps for using the
SQ3R study method:
1. Survey
2. Question
3. Read
4. Recite
5. Review
Survey
Recite Review
Question
Read
6. Survey:
The first step of the SQ3R study method is surveying the learning material. Surveying is beneficial to reading
comprehension as it prepares the brain’s processing system for what is coming. If your brain knows what to
expect from the material, it can store the information much more efficiently.
To survey the material, begin by glancing over all the headings and subheadings in the chapter to activate your
existing knowledge. Also take attention to any other noteworthy components such as tables, figures, or
diagrams. This will help you create a mental outline of all the available information.
Then, once you have glanced over the material, continue by skimming through the first sentence of each
paragraph. Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to read the introductory paragraphs and summary paragraphs,
before finally going over the study questions.
By following all these steps of surveying, you can assure that your brain knows what type of information to
expect from the material, where that information is located, and what bits of information to take extra attention
to.
All this may sound like a lot to do, but the survey step should only take three to five minutes for an experienced
SQ3R method user.
7. Question:
The second step of the SQ3R study method involves generating study
questions.
This is done by turning all the headings and subheadings inside the material
into questions. This is done so that you have a clear purpose for the reading
stage and so that you know what type of information you should be paying the
closest attention to.
Just like the previous step of surveying, questioning forces you to tackle your
uncertainties head-first. Without a doubt, generating your own study
questions is more difficult than simply following instructor-generated
questions. But, the reward is that these kinds of questions also guide the
reading process much more efficiently
8. Read:
The third step of the SQ3R study method involves reading the material and it’s
the most important event of the method.
Here is where all the preparation done in the previous two steps comes into
play. In this step, you start reading the text while answering both the chapter
questions and the self-generated questions created in step #2.
As a reader, you’ll have to carefully choose the information you need to answer
all questions and this process requires strong concentration to be effective. The
SQ3R technique forces you to read actively rather than passively, and while it’s
more engaging, it’s also considerably more demanding cognitively.
9. Recite:
The fourth step of the SQ3R study method is recitation.
This is the most time-consuming step of using the SQ3R and it involves putting all the
information you’ve processed until this point into your own words. Make sure to
take your time with this step, as skipping over it will ensure that the SQ3R system
will not achieve its full efficacy.
It’s important to always use your own words for recitation rather than someone
else’s, and it’s also crucial that you cover all major points and questions generated in
step #2.
By reciting the information, you can slow down the information input speed and give
your brain more time for processing. Doing so will help you transfer the information
from your short-term memory into your long-term memory.
10. Review:
The fifth and final step of the SQ3R technique is reviewing the information.
This involves checking all the same headings you identified in step #1 once
more and summarizing all the information into answers in your own words.
This helps you lock in all the information that you have processed until this
point.
As the human brain forgets information very quickly, the reviewing process is
most effective if started early. By conducting an immediate review, you’ll
interfere with the forgetting mechanism and this will help you achieve the best
possible retention.
With the reviewing step done, you’ve completed one cycle of the SQ3R study
method
11. Advantages of the SQ3R study method
Throughout the years, various studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of the SQ3R
method.
The science behind other popular methods such as the Pomodoro study method is more
conjectural, and we can say with relative certainty how and why the SQ3R is effective due to the
bigger (albeit still small) amount of research conducted on the topic.
These are the reasons why the SQ3R study method can be considered effective:
University students using the SQ3R strategy retain more information on exams.Students develop
better organizational skills, association, and critical thinking by using SQ3R.
The first two steps of SQ3R, surveying, and questioning, help students create a foundation of
knowledge before moving on to comprehension.
SQ3R forces students to use the brain’s information processing systems more productively.
12. Disadvantages of the SQ3R study method
Many researchers question the reliability of the SQ3R method, bringing
attention to disadvantages such as:
Students must artificially repeat the SQ3R process until it becomes
automatic.
The method is time-intensive as it requires you to dedicate enough time to
comprehend each chapter and analyze all headings.
The SQ3R method can be difficult to learn and apply.SQ3R lacks steps that
aid the cognitive processes of organization and integration.
The method is not well-suited for online classes and other types of learning
materials besides textbooks.