Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review (SQ3R)

SQ3R is a versatile study strategy that engages students during each phase of the reading process. Students preview the text material to develop predictions and to set a purpose for reading by generating questions about the topic; they read actively, searching for answers to those questions; they monitor their comprehension as they summarize; and they evaluate their comprehension through review activities.

Implementation

Steps in SQ3R:

Survey what you are about to read

• Think about the title: What do I know about this subject? What do I want to know?
• Glance over the headings, or skim the first sentences of paragraphs.
• Look at illustrations and graphic aids.
• Read the first paragraph.
• Read the last paragraph or summary.

Question

• Turn the title into a question. This becomes the major purpose for your reading.
• Write down any questions that come to mind during the survey.
• Turn headings into questions.
• Turn subheadings, illustrations, and graphic aids into questions.
• Write down unfamiliar vocabulary and determine the meaning.

Read actively

• Read to search for answers to questions.
• Respond to questions and use context clues for unfamiliar words.
• React to unclear passages, confusing terms, and question statements by generating additional questions.

Recite

 

• Look away from answers in the book to recall what was read.
• Recite answers to questions aloud or in writing.
• Reread text for unanswered questions.

 

Review

 

• Answer the major purpose questions.
• Look over answers and all parts of the chapter to organize information.

 

Classroom Management

1. Provide students with a copy of the instructions below and model how you would respond to each set of questions or tasks.
2. Assign a text passage to be read and have students practice the strategy in pairs or small groups.
3. When it is clear that they understand each phase of the strategy, assign additional passages to be read, but have students work individually.
4. SQ3R Framework

Survey:

Glance through your reading assignment. Quickly read headings, highlighted vocabulary, introductory and summary paragraphs, and diagrams. Study the pictures.

Question:

Think about what you've previewed. Write down several questions that you think will be answered as you read.

Read:

Carefully read the material to find the answers to your questions.

Recite:

When you find an answer to one of your questions, stop reading and recite the answer aloud. Continue to read until you answer all the questions and finish the assignment.

Review:

Review what you have read. Skim through the material and write down the answers to your questions. In your answers, include any interesting facts or important details that are relevant to the questions.

5. Summarize information learned by

 

• creating a graphic organizer that depicts the main idea
• drawing a flow chart
• writing a summary
• participating in a group discussion
• writing an explanation of how this material has changed your perceptions or applies to your life.

 

*Adapted from Jim Burke, Reading Reminders: Tools, Tips, and Techniques. Boynton/Cook Publishers, 2000.