The SQ3R Method

The SQ3R Method is a study technique designed specifically for textbook reading. Begin with S by skimming over the chapter and look at only the headings, diagrams, and pictures, and then read the chapter summary. Then for Q use general questions such as “What is ____?” and “Why is ____?” to guide your understanding of the reading. The first R stands for the read section where you go back and thoroughly look through the chapter answering the general questions you created. The second R is recite, where you will recall the questions you created and attempt to answer them by heart. Finally, the last R is for review which calls upon you to go back and look at the material within the next 24-hour period.

The SQ3R Method challenges learners to take an active approach to reading, rather than a passive one. Having students constantly engaged in the reading enables them to better recall the information thus increasing long-term cognitive performance. Furthermore, this method breaks the reading down into manageable sections with no one section being exhaustive for the student. Altogether, the SQ3R method should be your go-to strategy for text analysis and general comprehension.