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The SQ4R Study Strategy

SQ4R - A Reading and Study Skill System

 

The SQ4R study strategy can be used to help you take notes on a chapter, book or any other text you are asked to learn. If you follow this strategy, you are sure to master the material!

 

Here is how the SQ4R works...

 

S "SURVEY" - This is the "pre-reading" portion of the technique. Scan the lesson / chapter. Read the lesson objectives and headings of each section. Notice any graphs, vocabulary words, or anything else that stands out. You are just skimming the lesson at this point of the process.

 

Q "QUESTION" - now you will begin to write. One section at a time, turn each heading into a QUESTION. For example, for the heading: "Compare Integers", ask yourself, "How can I compare two integers?" These questions will guide you in your reading as you look for the answers. Write these questions in your notes, following the directions below.

 

R "READ" - READ each section with your questions in mind. Look for the answers, and notice if you need to make up some new questions.

 

R "RECORD" - While you are reading, you should RECORD the answers to your questions (can think of it as wRiting, if you prefer).

 

R "RECITE" - Every so often, see if you can RECITE (say aloud) the answers to your questions from memory. If not, look back again (as often as necessary) and don't go on to the next section until you can recite what you've learned so far from memory.

 

R "REVIEW" - Really begin building memories now! Once you've finished reading your assignment using the preceding steps, try to answer all the questions again. If you cannot answer the questions, look back and refresh your memory - REVIEW the material until you are satisfied that you know it well (and will remember it a long time from now!)

 

 

Taking Notes Using the SQ4R Technique

 

During the S stage, you are just reading (SURVEY).

 

During the Q-R-R (Q and first 2 R's: QUESTION, READ AND RECORD) stages, you are writing...

 

Do the S-Q-R-R parts like this:

Draw a line down the center of a piece of loose-leaf paper. Write your

questions down the left side of the page and the answers down the right side

(each answer should be lined up with its corresponding question).

 

Use these notes during the last two R's to help you RECITE and REVIEW the material, by covering the right side of the paper as you are asking and revealing one answer at a time after you've recited your answer. Repeat as often as you need to in order to learn the lesson and master the material.

 

Have fun learning!!!

 

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