Many of us remember the old standby: the SQ3R reading and study method. Designed to improve reading comprehension of textbooks, the SQ3R method helped the reader read expository text differently from narrative text. However, this method is in dire need of an update to connect with recent reading research on which techniques best improve comprehension and retention of exposition-based textbooks.
Try the PQ RAR reading and study method while reading or teaching the next chapter of your textbook.
Q-First, preview the reading selection. Try to limit the reading selection to a manageable size. Chapters that are too long, say more than six pages for elementary students, eight for high school students, twelve for high school students, and sixteen for college students, should be “chunked” into manageable reading sections.
1. Preview of the first and last paragraph of the chapter and the chapter review, if provided.
2. Preview all subheadings and any study aids in the book at the beginning of the chapter.
3. Preview all graphics such as photos, tables, maps, etc. and its subtitles.
Q-Second, make use of text-based questions to read textbooks effectively. Good questions produce good answers and significantly increase expository comprehension. Determining questions before reading provides a purpose for reading, that is, finding the answers as you read.
1. Develop questions from the subheadings and write them on chart paper or on your computer, skipping lines between each question. Try the initial “What”, “How” and “Why” questions. Avoid “Who” and “When” questions, as they tend to focus attention on the minor details of the expository text.
2. Write chapter review questions not covered by subheading questions, skipping lines between each question.
R-Read the chapter and “talk to the text” by taking notes in the margins of the textbook. Use yellow stickers and stick them in the margins of the textbook, if you can’t write in the textbook. Write comments, questions, predictions, and connections to other parts of the reading and your own life experiences. List examples, key details, and important terms with their definitions. Inner control of the author’s train of thought and connection to your own knowledge and experience increases comprehension as you read textbooks.
A-Answer the subheading questions and the book questions as you read. Write your answers below your questions. Don’t worry if the textbook didn’t answer some of the questions generated by readers.
A-Review the questions and answers within the next 24 hours to minimize the effects of the “forgetting cycle”. Generate potential quiz questions and develop memory tricks for key concepts and details.
