6 minutes
The SQ3R method is a study technique that can be very effective when preparing for exams or simply learning something new. The technique is simple and can be applied to all types of content.
The SQ3R method, also known as the “Robinson Method”, is an active reading technique. Its purpose is to read and learn more effectively. It has positioned itself in the world as one of the most efficient in these aspects.
Although designed for students, the SQ3R method is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their reading comprehension and learning ability. The model was created by Francis P. Robinson, in 1946.
The name of the SQ3R method is actually an acronym, in which each letter corresponds to a specific competence, like this: Examine (Survey), To ask (Question), Read (Read), Repeat (Recite) and Review (Review).
How to apply the SQ3R method?
The SQ3R method aims to contribute to the development of the ability to assimilate and retain new content. Helps identify and understand the central ideas of a reading.
This technique also seeks to increase the ability to assess texts from a critical perspective. How to apply the SQ3R method? This is done in five steps, which are as follows.
Examine (Survey)
The first step in the SQ3R method is browse or explore. It should be done in no more than 10 minutes and consists of a superficial approach to the subject to be studied. This is done by quickly reading items such as the table of contents, titles and subtitles, and highlights.
The objective is to obtain general information about the content of the document. This allows detecting the general structure of the text and formulating a first mental map of what it contains. It is the basis for everything else.
To ask (Question)
The second step is also short and consists of asking questions about the content just scanned. The best thing is that the questions are focused on the doubts that arose from that initial examination.
In addition, it is important to identify those contents that are related to previous knowledge. All of this must take the form of a question. You can write on a piece of paper, on the left margin, and then write down the answer on the right margin.
Read (Read)
The third step of the SQ3R method corresponds properly to the active reading. It consists of reading the text carefully, trying to capture the ideas developed by the author and the data or important details of the writing.
This step should be done without haste. In fact, it is convenient to do a second reading to deepen the understanding of the text. If you find answers to the questions in the previous step, the correct thing to do is to write them down as indicated above.
If there are fragments that are incomprehensible, it is advisable to reread them to better understand. It is a good idea to try to repeat what it says there, but using your own words. This helps build understanding.
Repeat (Recite)
To the fourth step it is called repeating or recite. It consists of putting aside all the notes and talking about everything that is remembered from the text, in my own words. The idea is not to be literal, but to translate the content into your own language.
An additional support in this step can be to ask critical questions on the subject. What’s more, it is convenient to do a summary general of what is read. This not only helps increase understanding, but also retention.
Review (Review)
In this step of the SQ3R method, learning is strengthened. It consists of rereading the text and reviewing all the notes around it.. It is the longest phase and ideally it should take place over several days, so that it can be memorized better.
Initially, the SQ3R method only covered these five steps, but then two more tasks were added:
- Record. It consists of writing down the most important ideas. You can also make a synoptic chart or a concept map.
- Reflect. It involves a reflection on the material that has been worked with in order to make a critical judgment about it. It should also be associated with prior knowledge.
Advantages of the SQ3R method
The main advantage of the SQ3R method is that makes the most of any content, while it is assimilated and incorporated into the knowledge that you already have. Likewise, it is a simple technique applicable to any subject.
Additional advantages of the SQ3R method are as follows:
- Contributes to the development of the ability to extract the main ideas from a text.
- Increase the ability to prioritize content.
- Helps optimize reading time.
- It facilitates the establishment of links between previous and new knowledge.
- Improves the relationship between time spent and learning efficiency.
- It is a technique that facilitates memorization.
- It allows adapting learning to individual objectives.
Why choose the SQ3R method?
One of the most interesting aspects of this technique is that it includes making critical judgments about the text. This is very important as it is beyond understanding and encourages the production of own and original ideas.
The SQ3R method is very functional. As it is used, it becomes easier and easier to apply, since it only includes five steps that are easy to remember. Used well it is a tool that saves valuable time.
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