STAGE

The SQ3R Study Reading System

The SQ3R study reading system is an organized approach to your textbook learning. Students who use a study system read with greater comprehension and remember more over a period of time. What are the components of the SQ3R system?
The five specific steps of the study system:

Survey
Question
Read
Recite
Review

STAGE	ACTIVITIES
Pre-reading	SURVEY Activate schema on topic of reading Preview the reading: Get the big picture - overview skimming Identify the main idea/thesis Read headings and sub-headings Read captions accompanying pictures/graphics Set your purpose for reading Choose an appropriate mode of reading QUESTION What do I already know about this topic? What do I need to learn about this topic? Turn headings into questions Make predictions Check unknown vocabulary
Active Reading	READ Think as you read; read for ideas and concepts, not word by word Visualize patterns of organization Actively construct meaning Anticipate upcoming information Verify the main idea and identify significant details Look for answers to your pre-reading questions and predictions Consciously add to or modify schema integrating old and new knowledge Metacognition (content and process): Self-monitor; assess your understanding: Evaluate comprehension Employ fix-up strategies as appropriate Am I understanding? If not, what should I do about it? Am I finding out what I wanted to know? Practice metacognitive behaviors of good readers
Post-Reading	RECITE / (WRITE) / REVIEW Review and reinforce learning Write a summary, make notes Construct a graphic organizer Reread difficult or important parts Check unusual or unfamiliar vocabulary Reflect Evaluate understanding/ comprehension What have I learned? Did I answer all my relevant questions? Evaluate your reading processing Did I choose an appropriate mode? What changes do I need to make in my reading? What did I do well that I want to repeat in future reading? Evaluate success or set strategies for change

Because the SQ3R learning/study system is an organized approach to learning from textbooks, articles, and reports, it should greatly increase your learning efficiency. The key to this and other learning systems is repetition and then monitoring comprehension. The method involves reviewing the material several times and determining, through the use of your study guide, what you do and do not understand prior to moving on. These processes will help you to understand and retain the material for future applications. Students who use a study system tend to read with greater comprehension and remember more over a period of time.