Study Skills 101 PRINTING A PAPER DOESN’T COUNT AS STUDYING.
SQ4R METHOD S = Survey Q = Question R = Read R = Recite R = (W)Rite R = Review
1. SURVEY
Briefly survey (look over) the chapter, noting the divisions, headings, tables and illustrations.
Read the chapter summary. This provides an overview of the chapter content and a framework for organizing the material.
Now you have an idea of what the main ideas are, and how to organize your notes.
2. QUESTION
Turn each section heading into a question that you want answered.
If the heading of a section is “Different Parts of the Heart,” you now know that a question you should be able to answer is “What are the different parts of the heart?”
If the heading was “How to Run an EKG Test,” the question you should seek the answer to by reading the text is “How do you run an EKG test?”
Also, try to guess questions that might appear on the exam.
3. READ
Read the chapter (or power point or website), section by section, trying to answer your questions from the steps before.
“What are the different parts of a heart?”
Superior Vena Cava, Inferior Vena Cava, Right Atrium, Semi-lunar valve, Right Ventricle, Pulmonary Arteries, Lungs (alveoli), Pulmonary Veins, Left Atrium, Mitral Valve, Left Ventricle, Aorta
4. RECITE
Answer the questions and state the main points verbally. You may also write down the answers and key points for later reference.
Use us for this step!
Come tell us what you learned. We’ll tell you if it sounds like you actually understand or if there are points you should go back and look over.
5. (W)RITE
First, write the question and then write the answer to the question using only key words, lists, etc.
Make your answers brief
Just double check you understood the main points
6. REVIEW
Briefly look back over the material to assure that you have included all the main points.
Reflect on the meaning and application of the major points.
WHAT NEXT? – how to memorize
Use 3" x 5" index cards.
Write the questions or vocabulary on one side and the answers or definitions on the other side
Use them as flash cards
Quiz yourself or have someone else quiz you whenever you have free time
IT’S IMPORTANT TO PRACTICE!
When you think you know your stuff, try to find some practice problems. Either search for worksheets on google or actual practice problems on SOINC.org
In math and science courses where memorization is crucial, it is helpful to over learn the material. Small amounts of practice spread over several days is more efficient than one long memorization session.
YOU’RE NEVER DONE REVIEWING Recognize
the importance of regular review. Review class notes on a daily basis, and set aside review time for each course on a weekly basis.
HOW TO TAKE NOTES
OUTLINE
THAT WAY YOUR HEADINGS ARE OBVIOUS
AND THE DETAILS FOR THEM ARE UNDERNEATH
WHEN YOU LOOK BACK TO REVIEW YOU CAN QUICKLY FIND THE SECTIONS YOU WANT TO REVIEW
OR USE HEADINGS AND BULLET POINTS!
