SQ3R is an
acronym for a popular study system that will help you get the most from your studying. SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. It's a good system to use if you are trying to learn the material in a textbook.
SurveyIn this first step, you should take no more than 5 minutes to get an overview of what the chapter or book is about. Read the preface, table of contents, chapter titles, headings, graphs, summaries, etc. This will give you an outline of what you are about to learn which will help you know what to expect.
QuestionSurvey the material again, but stop at each section and ask yourself some questions about what you hope to learn by reading that material. This step helps increase your interest in the topic and focus your attention on what you will be learning.
ReadRead the material. Don't take notes or highlight anything yet. The first time you read through the material, you don't yet know which facts are important, so taking notes is difficult and inefficient.
ReciteIn this step, you should try to answer the questions you asked in the Question step. Look back at the material only if necessary. Talking out loud to yourself isn't necessary, but it can help reinforce the information. Recitation also provides
Feedback. Spend at least half of your time on this step.
ReviewSurvey the book again and take note of which areas you were able to recite successfully and which areas you were not. You can study the weak areas again later. A review right after studying will help solidify the material in your mind. Periodic reviews at later dates will refresh your memory and help relearn material that you have forgotten.
