📚 Learning Method Spotlight: SQ3R
Most students sit down to read their textbook like it’s Netflix; press play, let it run, and hope something sticks. That’s not learning. That’s passive consumption. Instead, use the SQ3R method; a proven active reading strategy that helps you actually understand and remember what you read. Here’s how it works: 1️⃣ Survey – Skim the chapter first. Look at titles, headings, bolded terms, graphs. Build a roadmap in your mind before diving in. 2️⃣ Question – Turn headings and subheadings into questions. For example: “What are the causes of X?” This primes your brain to look for answers. 3️⃣ Read – Now read with purpose. Search actively for the answers to your questions. Highlight only what directly connects to your questions. 4️⃣ Recite – Close the book. Without looking, try to recall what you just learned. Explain it in your own words. This step is where memory sticks. 5️⃣ Review – At the end, go back over your notes and main points. Re-test yourself later to reinforce retention. Why it works: - It transforms reading from passive → active. - It forces you to engage multiple processes: previewing, questioning, recalling, and reviewing. - Research shows that active recall + spaced repetition can increase long-term retention by up to 200–300% compared to simple rereading. 👉 Next time you study, don’t just read. SQ3R it. Question for you: Have you ever used SQ3R—or do you think it would help with your textbooks?