Make your reading more efficient and effective by using either the “Preview, Read, Recall” approach or the “SQ3R” approach. It may seem like there are more steps, but these methods help you get the most out of your reading time, improve your understanding of the content, and make you more likely to remember what you read later.
Preview, Read, Recall
Step 1. Preview
Preview so you can get a main idea of the reading. This helps you plan ahead and prepares your brain to better understand and remember what you read.
- Spend about 5–10 minutes familiarizing yourself with the reading assignment.
- Pay attention to title and introduction, subheadings, diagrams/pictures/charts, and any summary, questions, or review at the end of the chapter.
- Plan ahead for reading: identify the main ideas, estimate how long it will take, and note what you might need for a test or paper.
Step 2. Read
Read actively, not passively. This will help you understand the material and remember it later.
- Monitor your attention and understanding regularly so you grasp the concepts in each section.
- Underline or highlight key words or phrases, and write notes in the margins. Use highlighters sparingly.
- If possible, take notes on important concepts while you read or after you finish reading to condense material into a study-able package.
- Break up your reading assignment into manageable sections and tackle them one at a time.
- Take a short break if you’re getting distracted or unable to focus.
Step 3. Recall
Recall and quiz yourself so you can remember the information. We forget much of what we read within minutes unless we actively recall it immediately.
- Turn the heading or first sentence into a question and answer it after you finish the section.
- Close the book after a paragraph or section and explain the concepts in your own words.
- Ask yourself questions as you read and answer them with information from the text (great exam practice).
This content is adapted from “PRR: Preview, Read, Recall” – Sanger Learning & Career Center, University of Texas at Austin.
SQ3R
Survey
Why survey?
- Gives you the big picture.
- Helps you decide what’s important.
- Lets you connect information to what you already know.
- Prepares you to read.
How to survey:
- Look over the material: title, preview, headings, visuals, bold words, and summary.
- Read the summary if possible.
- Activate background knowledge and related information.
Question
Why question?
- Helps you stay focused on the reading.
- Gives you a purpose (looking for the answer) and creates interest.
- Provides good practice for quizzing yourself on topics.
How to question:
- Turn headings into questions.
- Ask What? Who? Why? and How?
Read
Why read?
- Primary way to get information from the textbook.
- Good preparation for lectures and discussions.
- Essential part of test preparation.
How to read:
- Look for answers to your questions.
- Write in the margins.
- Underline or highlight important concepts (sparingly).
- Break up the reading into chunks.
- Take breaks when needed.
Recite
Why recite?
- Helps you retain information after you read it.
- Checks your level of understanding.
- Provides an active way to interact with the reading and stay alert.
How to recite:
- Say it out loud in your own words.
- Write a brief summary of the paragraph or section.
- Write notes or note cards for key information.
- Create a mind map or graphic organizer showing ideas and relationships.
Review
Why review?
- Helps you retain information from week to week.
- Helps you prepare for exams, papers, and assignments.
How to review:
- Look over your reading notes and quiz yourself on the information.
- Make connections between readings and class notes.
- Revisit weekly and test yourself on both new and previously studied material.