Study Methods
"SQ3R" is Not a Secret Code
SQ3R is a mnemonic device (memory helper) for an old study method that has been used in education since the mid-1940s. Each letter stands for the first letter of a word (there are three "R" words). Here is the translation:
-Survey (or scan) the material (homework or job-related work), looking for the most important points and the basic flow of the content -- or just the headings
-Question -- Write down several questions as if you were a teacher preparing a test for someone else.
-Read the material, looking for the answers to the questions you wrote down. (Don't underline.)
-Recite -- Write down the answers.
-Review -- Check the answers against the material.
This system builds in the reinforcement that is essential for someone to retain what they have learned. For most persons, something read over once doesn't stick very well -- particularly if it is crammed in at the last minute (itself a stressful activity).
Flash/notecards
Make notecards as the unit progresses. Every evening, make new notecards from vocabulary or concepts you learned that day. Then, go over all of the notecards you have made up until then for the specific unit. It will not take you more than 15 minutes everyday!!! It’s a small time commitment with a big payoff. When you study for the final at the end of the grading period, you have a nice system that organizes the material from the entire year.
Make practice quizzes
Using your notes, class activities and past quizzes, you and a friend each make a quiz based on what you think is relevant. Then, switch quizzes with your peer. Don’t tell the other person the answers until both of you have finished or cannot work any further without help. Not only will you gain a better understanding of the material from making a quiz, you will better learn the material by explaining it to your peer. This will also serve as a good opportunity to brainstorm about what will be on a quiz or test with other students.
Test Taking Advice
Read the directions slowly and carefully.
If the test is long, answer all of the questions you know first and then go back to tackle the more difficult questions.
Double-check your work.
Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification from the teacher.
Don’t worry about how fast/slow anyone else is working. Work at your own pace.
If you feel like you are getting lost in a problem, erase what you have and start over. You may have made a small error at the start of the problem that is messing you up later.
Remember to breath!!