SQRRR or SQ3R is a
reading comprehension
Reading comprehension is the ability to process written text, understanding, understand its meaning, and to integrate with what the reader already knows. Reading Comprehension of spoken language, comprehension relies on two abilities that are co ...
method named for its five steps: survey, question, read, recite, and review. The method was introduced by
Francis P. Robinson in his 1941 book ''Effective Study''.
SQ3R works well because it promotes active engagement. According to Craig and Lockhart’s Levels of Processing Theory (1972), deeper processing—like analyzing and paraphrasing—leads to stronger memory. Similar methods include
PQRST and
KWL table.
Process
#Survey ("S")
#:The first step, survey,
skim, or scan advises that one should resist the temptation to read the book and instead first go through a chapter and note the headings, sub-headings, and other outstanding features, such as figures, tables, marginal information, and summary paragraphs. This survey step typically only takes 3–5 minutes, but it provides an outline or framework for what will be presented. The reader should identify ideas and formulate questions about the content of the chapter.
#Question ("Q")
#:
Generate questions about the content of the reading. For example, convert headings and sub-headings into questions, and then look for answers in the content of the text. Other more general questions may also be formulated:
#:* ''What is this chapter about?''
#:* ''What question is this chapter trying to answer?''
#:* ''How does this information help me?''
#Read (R
1)
#:Use the background work done with "S" and "Q" to begin reading actively. This means reading to answer the questions raised under "Q". Passive reading, in contrast, results in merely reading without engaging with the study material.
#Recite (R
2)
#:The second "R" refers to the part known as "Recite." The reader should try to recite from memory what was learned in the same manner as telling someone else about the information. The reader must use their own words to formulate and conceptualize the material. Try recalling and identifying major points (heading/subheadings) and answers to questions from the "Q" step. This recital step may be done either in an oral or written format and is related to the benefits of retrieval (
testing effect
The testing effect (also known as retrieval practice, active recall, practice testing, or test-enhanced learning) suggests long-term memory is increased when part of the learning period is devoted to retrieving information from memory. It is differ ...
) in boosting long-term memory for the material.
#Review (R
3)
#:The final "R" is "Review." Once you reach the end of the passage, review the material by repeating back to yourself what the point of the passage is, using your own words. You may then repeat the process on the second set of questions.
See also
*
Cornell Notes
The Cornell Notes system (also Cornell note-taking system, Cornell method, or Cornell way) is a note-taking system devised in the 1950s by Walter Pauk, an education professor at Cornell University. Pauk advocated its use in his best-selling book '' ...
*
KWL table
*
Francis P. Robinson
*
Pareto principle
*
PQRST (study skill)
Study skills or study strategies are approaches applied to learning. Study skills are an array of skills which tackle the process of organizing and taking in new information, retaining information, or dealing with exam, assessments. They are disc ...
*
Spaced repetition
''Spaced'' is a British television sitcom created, written by and starring Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson, and directed by Edgar Wright, about the comedic, and sometimes surreal and action-packed, misadventures of Daisy Steiner and Tim Bis ...
*
Speed reading
*
Study skills
Study skills or study strategies are approaches applied to learning. Study skills are an array of skills which tackle the process of organizing and taking in new information, retaining information, or dealing with assessments. They are discrete ...
References
External links
Study Skills HandoutsWorcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sq3r
Note-taking
Reading (process)