SQ3R method How to Use it for Learning, reading comprehension

SQ3R is a reading comprehension method that stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. The method is designed to help readers actively engage with the material they are reading and to improve their understanding and retention of the information.

1. Survey: Before reading, take a quick look at the headings, subheadings, illustrations, and any introductory or summary paragraphs. This will give you an overview of the material and help you form a general sense of what the text is about.

2. Question: Formulate questions based on the headings and subheadings, and on your own curiosity. This will help you focus your reading and give you a purpose for reading.

3. Read: Read the material carefully and actively, trying to answer the questions you formulated earlier. Take notes and underline important information.

4. Recite: After reading, try to summarize the material in your own words, either aloud or in writing. This will help you solidify your understanding and improve your recall.

5. Review: After some time has passed, review your notes and summaries, and try to recall the material again. This will help you reinforce your understanding and retention of the information.

SQ3R Method is quite useful in understanding subjects that are in depth, complex and need more attention as in a textbook reading. It's a active reading technique which require more mental engagement and effort. This method is especially useful for students, who can use it to improve their understanding and retention of the material they are studying.

Practical Example:

Example of how the SQ3R method can be applied to reading a chapter from a textbook:

1. Survey: Before reading the chapter, take a look at the headings, subheadings, illustrations, and any introductory or summary paragraphs. In this example, let's say the chapter is about the causes and effects of air pollution. From the headings and subheadings, you can see that the chapter will cover topics such as industrial emissions, vehicle emissions, and natural sources of air pollution.

2. Question: Based on the headings and subheadings, formulate questions such as: "What are the main sources of industrial emissions?", "How do vehicle emissions contribute to air pollution?", and "What are some examples of natural sources of air pollution?" These questions will give you a purpose for reading the chapter and help you focus on the most important information.

3. Read: Read the chapter carefully and actively, trying to answer the questions you formulated earlier. Take notes and underline important information. For example, you might find that industrial emissions from power plants and factories are a major source of air pollution, and that vehicle emissions, particularly from cars and trucks, are also a significant contributor. You also might learn about natural sources of air pollution like forest fires, dust storms and volcanic eruptions.

4. Recite: After reading the chapter, try to summarize the material in your own words. You might say, "Air pollution is caused by a combination of industrial emissions, vehicle emissions, and natural sources. The main sources of industrial emissions are power plants and factories, while vehicle emissions, particularly from cars and trucks, are also a significant contributor. Natural sources of air pollution include forest fires, dust storms and volcanic eruptions." This will help you solidify your understanding and improve your recall.

5. Review: After some time has passed, review your notes and summaries, and try to recall the material again. This will help you reinforce your understanding and retention of the information. It's recommended to review periodically to retain the information over a longer period of time.