Active reading strategies can significantly increase learning new information. This particular technique is adapted from the SQ3R reading method.
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Outline
Active reading strategies can significantly increase learning new information.
SQ3R
This is one of the most popular active reading strategies.
1. Survey – What can I learn from the text?
Before reading skim the material:
- Skim the table of contents and find three to five main ideas that will be presented in the text.
- Pay attention to names, headings and subheadings.
- Look at the captions under images, tables, diagrams and maps.
- Pay particular attention to the introductory and final paragraphs, which often contain a summary of the text.
2. Question – What do I hope to learn from the text?
Before reading a section, formulate questions and do the following:
- Rephrase headings into questions.
- Look whether the author has formulated questions at the beginning or end of the section.
- Recall what you already know about the topic and what you still want to learn about it.
3. Read – Look for answers to your questions
- Read captions under images and diagrams. Pay attention to highlighted information.
- Be open-minded – pay attention to new ideas and differing opinions.
- Stop and reread difficult and unclear parts.
4. Recite – Consider what you want to remember from the information obtained.
- Think about what you’ve read and summarise the main ideas expressed in the text.
- If you realise there is something you have not fully understood, reread that section.
- Take notes, expressing ideas in your own words.
5. Recall – Reread your notes and link the information with your own experience.
- After reading the whole text, reread your own notes and pay attention to the main ideas and connections between the ideas.
- Link what you have learned with your own experience and other sources of information.
