Study Strategies: SQ3R

SQR3 stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. It was developed by Francis P. Robinson in 1941 in his book “Effective Study”. SQR3 is designed to help students actively engage with reading texts, understand key concepts, and retain information more effectively.

How to Use the SQR3 Study Method:

  1. Survey: Before you start reading, take a few moments to survey the text or material you’ll be studying. Skim through headings, subheadings, and any visual aids (such as charts or diagrams) to get an overview of the content.

  2. Question: Think of questions based on the material you’ve surveyed. Ask yourself what you expect to learn from the text and what key concepts or information you need to understand. Write down these questions to guide your reading.

  3. Read: Read the text, focusing on answering the questions you have. Take notes, highlight key points, and underline important information as you read. Try to understand the main ideas and concepts in the text.

  4. Recite: After reading a section or chapter, pause and put the information in your own words. Summarize key points, answer the questions you wrote, and explain the ideas aloud or in writing. This helps reinforce your understanding and will help you remember.

  5. Review: When you’ve finished reading and reciting the text, review your notes and summaries to reinforce your learning. Think about the key concepts, review any areas of difficulty, and make connections between different parts of the text. Think about how the material connects with things you already know.

Benefits of the SQR3 Study Method:

  • Active Engagement: The SQR3 method promotes active engagement with written texts, encouraging you to interact with the text through questioning, summarizing, and reciting.

  • Improved Comprehension: By surveying, questioning, and summarizing the material, you gain a deeper understanding of key ideas.

  • Effective Time Management: SQR3 helps you study in a structured and efficient way, making the most of your study time and focusing on the most important information.

  • Enhanced Recall: The act of reciting and reviewing information helps you remember the material.

Incorporating SQR3 into Your English Learning Routine:

To incorporate the SQR3 study method into your English learning routine, consider the following tips:

  • Break down longer English texts into manageable sections and apply the SQR3 steps to each section individually.
  • Practice active reading and note-taking techniques.
  • Use the SQ3R method to discuss and review texts with other learners.