Lesson 1: The Principles of Learning

11 - A Road Map to Improve Your Reading

Having effective reading skills is important for academic success. Hints to improve reading skills can be summarized in the SQ3R technique as follows:

SURVEY
Begin by skimming a chapter. Read the main headings. Notice how the information has been organized. Look at the pictures. Read the diagrams, charts, graphs, and bold print words to get the main idea of the chapter.

QUESTION
If the author has a set of questions at the end of the chapter, read them and give them some thought. Questions of your own that you expect to be answered in the chapter should come to mind. This will give you a purpose for reading.

READ
Now read the chapter thoroughly.

RECITE
When you have finished reading, respond to your original questions in your own words. Summarize what you have read.

REVIEW
Keep brief notes about the major points in the chapter. Refer to them from time to time to refresh you memory.

SQ3R Reading Method