This is a guest post by Matthew Douglas
In the era of information overload, effective learning techniques have never been more essential. Whether you’re a student, professional, or lifelong learner, absorbing and retaining large volumes of information can be daunting. Enter the SQ3R Method — a powerful reading comprehension strategy designed to optimize learning by encouraging active engagement with the material. This article explores the SQ3R Method, its benefits, and how to apply it to enhance your learning experience and information retention.
So What Exactly Is the SQ3R Method?
SQ3R was introduced by Francis P. Robinson, a prominent American educational psychologist, in his book “Effective Study” (1946). In a very recent article in the journal Reading Literacy, Stahl and Armstrong (2020), define Robinson as a pioneer in the development of postsecondary literacy theory, research, and pedagogy who, despite his enormous and various contributions to the field of reading and learning, is most widely known by SQ3R. Now that we understand the history, let’s go through the five steps needed to use the SQ3R method:
1: Survey
The first step in the SQ3R method is to Survey the material. Before diving into a detailed read, take a few minutes to skim through the text. The goal is to get a general overview of the content. Here’s how to effectively survey a text:
- Look at the title and headings: These provide clues about the main topics and structure of the material.
- Scan subheadings and bolded words: Identify key concepts and terms that will likely be important.
- Examine visuals: Charts, graphs, and images can give you a sense of the content and its context.
- Read the introduction and conclusion: These sections often summarize the main points, giving you a roadmap of what to expect.
Surveying helps to create a mental framework for the material, making it easier to process and remember the information as you read.
2: Question
The next step is to Question the material. As you survey, generate questions based on the headings, subheadings, and any key points you’ve identified. This step transforms passive reading into an active learning process. Ask yourself:
- Consider the information presented: What is the author trying to communicate?
- Look for the main points: What are the main ideas or arguments?
- Determine how the main points fit in: How does this information relate to what I already know?
These questions set a purpose for your reading and keep you engaged with the content. They also prime your brain to look for answers, enhancing comprehension.
3: Read
With your questions in mind, it’s now time to Read the material thoroughly. This step involves:
- Reading actively: Focus on finding answers to the questions you’ve developed. Take notes or highlight key information.
- Connecting ideas: Relate new information to existing knowledge, making connections that will help with memory retention.
- Annotating: Write summaries or reactions in the margins to reinforce understanding and retention.
By reading with purpose, you become an active participant in the learning process, which significantly improves comprehension and retention.
4: Recite
After reading, move on to Recite. This step involves recalling the information you’ve just read without looking at the text. The process of recitation reinforces learning by encouraging you to:
- Summarize: In your own words, summarize the main points of the text. This can be done aloud or in writing.
- Answer your questions: Try to answer the questions you developed during the “Question” step. If you struggle to recall certain points, revisit the text to reinforce those areas.
- Discuss with others: Explaining the material to someone else can also be an effective way to solidify your understanding.
Recitation shifts knowledge from short-term to long-term memory, making it more accessible when you need it.
5: Review
The final step in the SQ3R method is to Review the material. Regular review sessions help reinforce the information and ensure it sticks. Effective review strategies include:
- Revisiting your notes: Go over the summaries, answers, and annotations you’ve made. Focus on areas where you had difficulty.
- Quiz yourself: Self-testing is a powerful review tool. Use flashcards, quizzes, or practice exams to reinforce what you’ve learned.
- Space out reviews: Instead of cramming, space out your review sessions over time. This technique, known as spaced repetition, has been shown to improve long-term retention.
Reviewing ensures that the knowledge you’ve worked hard to acquire remains accessible and usable in the future.
For those of you who prefer audiovisual material, below are three short videos explaining the SQ3R method and how to apply it.
Benefits of the SQ3R Method
The SQ3R method offers several benefits that can enhance your learning experience:
- Improved comprehension: By actively engaging with the text, you gain a deeper understanding of the material.
- Enhanced retention: The systematic approach of SQ3R promotes long-term information retention.
- Time efficiency: SQ3R helps you focus on the most important information, making your study sessions more productive.
- Active learning: Instead of passively reading, you become an active participant in the learning process, which leads to better outcomes.
Conclusion
The SQ3R Method is a time-tested strategy that transforms reading from a passive activity into an active, engaging process. By following the five steps — Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review — you can improve your comprehension, retention, and overall learning effectiveness. Whether you’re studying for exams, learning new skills for your career, or simply trying to retain more of what you read, the SQ3R method offers a practical framework to help you achieve your goals. Embrace this approach, and watch as your ability to learn and retain information grows exponentially.
Resources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQ3R#
- https://miuc.org/sq3r-study-method/
- https://www.lifehack.org/899735/sq3r-method#what-is-the-sq3r-method
- https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2021/3/4-1
About the Author:
Matthew currently serves as a content creator and host of The Engineering Project Management Podcast. As a civil engineer by trade, Matthew has developed a passion for construction and stormwater management by way of maintenance and rehabilitation services. Matthew has also had experience working under private consulting firms, and public agencies and has even held a role of an educator, as such, he loves to lead, build, mentor, and help those in need.
Most recently, during his time working for the public sector, he has taken the role of Public Works Operations Manager. There he led quite a few public infrastructure rehabilitation projects and implemented new asset management technologies at a very young age. It is here that the passion for “fixing what’s broken” has developed.
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share about how you are mastering information retention with the SQ3R method.
Please leave your comments, feedback or questions in the section below.
To your success,
Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
