As students return to school, it is important that they develop or improve their study skills. The lack of effective study skills can discourage otherwise dedicated students who want to succeed in school but have difficulty reading, studying and retaining information. One very effective technique to improve study skills is the SQ3R Study Method.

The SQ3R Study Method
The SQ3R Study Method is a complete method which may be applied to any subject matter with excellent results. It may be used in reading an article, a book, or applied in learning the content of an entire course.

The first step in applying this method is SURVEY (S). Survey the material to be learned. Scan it in its entirety. Note the way the information is organized and its format. Pay special attention to the table of contents and chapter or topic headings. Look for any outlines or summaries of the material covered. Read them carefully. Familiarize yourself with the style of writing and the way information is organized. This survey should be done thoroughly and quickly. Make brief notes.

After surveying the material, write down QUESTIONS (Q) you expect to be answered by the material. These questions represent what you expect to learn.

The main purpose of surveying the material and writing relevant questions is to stimulate your mind and call forth what you already know about the material being studied. As you survey the material, silently instruct your mind to recall all that you know about the subject.

"Whatever I know about (this subject) comes to the forefront of my thinking."

Next, READ (R1) the material thoroughly. As you read the material, think about the questions you expect to be answered. But, do not get sidetracked from your reading. Complete this reading from beginning to end. Make brief, concise notes of important information covered in your reading. Once you have completed the material, determine if all your questions have been answered. If not, why not? If so, write the answers down.

Now, REVIEW (R2) the material thoroughly. Focus on your notes and markings throughout the text. Make additional notes if necessary. Review the important points and concentrate on learning them.

Finally, test yourself. RECITE (R3) orally what you have learned from your studies. Anything you cannot recall during this recitation exercise, you probably won't be able to recall at a later time. Recite the important points over and over until they are etched in your mind. Once you can recite the important points without looking at the material or at your notes, you have mastered this material once and for all.

Even if you do not totally understand some portions of the material, you will at the very least be able to recall it for future examination. Tell yourself that the information you recite is stored forever in your mind, and you have ready access to it in the future.

Using the SQ3R Study Method, you can learn any material, read any book or article, and master the material in your course of study.

© 2004 LifeSkill Institute, Inc.

Based on The Twelve Universal Laws of Success, Second Edition, Expanded, ISBN 0-9748362-1-4 a new book by Herbert Harris, available at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or through the LifeSkill Institute, Inc. Call (800) 570-4009 to order books. Get your FREE copy of "Twelve Affirmations to Live By" poster by E-mail to: lifeskill@earthlink.net

Brother Herbert Harris will be keeping the Black community updated on thoughts for success and how we can succeed in our lives. Visit regularly for new information that could help you overcome and make the best of your everyday experiences.

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