Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

SQ3R

Chalonda Branch | Published: September 16th, 2020 by K20 Center

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SQ3R

SQ3R is a comprehension strategy that teaches students how to read and think like an effective reader.

SQ3R

Summary

SQ3R is often characterized as a "study strategy," which it can be, but its main purpose is to help students understand a reading on their first pass. Before beginning the activity, explain to students that effective readers do many things while reading, including surveying, questioning, reading, reciting, and reviewing (SQ3R). Ideally, the strategy is modeled for students before they begin using the technique to read their own passages. To follow the strategy with a reflection, have students review their notes and think about whether the technique helped them organize information or enabled them to retain a surprising amount of information from the text.

Procedure

  1. Survey the text to gain initial meaning from the headings, bold text, and charts.

  2. Question the reading based on what was learned during the survey.

  3. Read the text, looking for answers to the questions formulated during the preview of the text.

  4. Recite or rehearse the answers to those questions and make notes for later study.

  5. Review the text to answer lingering questions and recite the questions previously answered.

https://www.adlit.org/in-the-classroom/strategies/sq3r-survey-question-read-recite-review