Mastering the SQ3R Study Method for Efficient Learning

1. Study Methods SQ3R ‘Using IT, by Williams, Sawyer, Hutchinson’

2. Introduction: • To study more efficiently • SQ3R Method • S survey • Q question • R read, recite, review

3. Rationale: • The strategy for this method is to break down an assignment into small segments and MASTERING each before moving on

4. Survey: • Survey the chapter before you read it • Get an overview of the chapter • You need to have a sense what the material is about before you begin to read it • You have to predict where the material is leading you towards • Investigate the objectives or outline or topics at the beginning of the chapter • Sometimes I first read the summary at the back of the chapter

5. Question: • Question the segment in the chapter before you read it • Segment: section, or even a paragraph. It all depends on the level of difficulty • Get yourself INVOLVED in the material • Look at the topic and in your mind, restate the heading as a question

6. Read: • Now read the segment you asked the question about • Read with purpose, to answer the question you formulated • Underline/color-mark the sentences you think are important • You must read the segment until you can answer the question • Determine if the segment has a bearing on other parts of the chapter

7. Recite: • Recite the main points of the segment. • “Say out loud” the answer to the principal question • State these point in your own words, to enhance your understanding • You can even start to make notes!

8. Review: • Review the entire chapter • You do this by repeating questions • Then without looking at the book, test your memory by repeating questions

9. Summary: • Clearly this method takes longer than just reading, but it is effective because it requires your involvement and understanding • This is the key to all effective learning • The reason why you read in terms of questions and answers, is to prepare you better when you see exam questions about the material!!