Let's talk about SQ3R

What is SQ3R?
F.P. Robinson, in his book Effective Study (Harper and Row, New York. 1967), developed the SQ3R approach for improving literacy. SQ3R stands for survey, question, read, recite and review.


What is the value of SQ3R?
SQ3R is a very useful procedure when you have to read and understand a difficult or unfamiliar piece of text.


Procedure for using SQ3R
There are five steps for using SQ3R.
1. Survey the text. This means skimming through it and noticing the headings, any words in bold, pictures, diagrams and the general layout of the text. By surveying you will gain an understanding of the context of the text and will not be going into it 'blind'.
2. Question. Make up a list of questions that will help direct your reading. This will help you read for meaning. Some questions you might use are:
• What do I think the text will be about?
• What am I expected to know when I finish reading the text?
• What is the purpose of the pictures and diagrams?
• Why has the text been laid out the way it has?
• How will I recognise the main points?
3. Read the text and look for answers to the questions you developed in step 2.
4. Recite, that is, say aloud what you understand about the text and you answers to your questions. Put into your own words what you have read.
5. Review the text, that is, read over it again. Check you have not misunderstood any details. Check that your answers to your questions do fit the text.


Source: Anderson, Mark and Kathy Anderson. 1997. Text Types in English 2. South Yarra: Macmillan Education Australia Pty Ltd.