Examinations have always been viewed with apprehension, however well prepared we are, there is always a nagging doubt, "Will I remember what I have studied or will I blank out when I see the question paper.?"
An interesting method of study was introduced by Francis Pleasant Robinson in his 1946 book Effective Study. This is of great relevance even today, in fact, Thomas G Sticht referred to it as “The reading formula that helped win World War II”. During world war 2, military personnel were sent to universities to learn intensive and specialized skills to win the war, in as little time as possible, Robinson’s book was a result of that research.
SQRRR or SQ3R is a reading comprehension method named for its five steps: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review.
Survey: First we need to survey or skim the pages only, resisting the temptation to read the book. A quick glance through a chapter in order to identify headings, sub-headings and other outstanding features in the text should suffice. This is done in order to identify ideas and form questions about the content of the chapter.
Question: Then we construct questions about the content of the reading. For instance, convert headings and sub-headings into questions, and then look for answers in the content of the text. Other more general questions may also be developed in the lines of.
What is this chapter about?
What are the underlying answers?
How does this information help me?
Read (R1): Use the background work done with “S” and “Q” so as to begin reading actively. This means reading to answer the questions raised under “Q”. Passive reading on the other hand, merely results in non-engagement with the study material.
Recite (R2): The second “R” refers to the part known as “Recite, write” or “Recall.” Using key phrases, one could identify major points and answers to questions from the “Q” step for each section. This may be done either orally or in writing. It’s imperative that we use our own words so as to bring out the active listening quality of this study method.
Review (R3): The last, “R” is Review. In fact, before becoming acquainted with this method a student normally uses the Read and Review technique. Ideally a student who has followed all recommendations, should have a study sheet and continuously test himself by attempting to recall key phrases. In case certain key words have been forgotten, a quick review could be done, to get them back on track.
R A Nadesan is an executive coach, behavioural and soft skills trainer with a pan India presence. He can be reached at ranadesan@yahoo.co.uk