the sq3r method has been a proven way to sharpen study skills. sq3r stands for the survey, question, read, recite, and review. tahke a moment now and write sq3r down. it's helpful to commit it to memory and cary out this effective study strategy.

   survey--get the best overall picture of waht you're going to study before u study it in great detail. it's like looking at a road map before going on a trip. if u don't know the territory ,studying a map is the best way to begin with.

   question--ask questions for learning.the important things to learn are usually answers to questions. questions should lead to emphasis on what ,why ,how, when, who,and where of the study content. ask yourself questions as u read or study. as u answer them, it will help u make sense of the material and memorize it more easily because teh process will make an impression on u. don't be afriad to write your questions in the margin of textbooks, on lecture notes, or where they make sense.

   read--reading  doesn't mean running your eyes over a textbook. when u read, read actively. read to answer the questions u have asked yourself or the questions the instructor or author has asked. always be aware of the dark or unusual print, where the authors intend to receive special emphasis. also,when u read, be sure to read everyghing, including tables, graghs, and pictures. tables, graphs, and pictures often express ideas more powerfully than the written text.

   before u begin reading,u must know what your purpose is, and read accordingly. getting the main idea in reading is central to effective studying. obtaining important details means that u locate in your reading the basis for the main ideas.

  recite--when u recite,stop periodically to recall what u have read. try to recall main headings, important ideas or concepts presented in dark or unusual print, and what graphs, charts,or pictures indicate. try to develop an overall concept of what u have read in your own thoughts and words. try to connect things u have just read to u already know. when you do this periodically, the chances are that u will remember much more and be able to recall material for papers, essays ,and objective tests.

  review--a review is a survey of what u have covered. it's a review of what u are supposed to accomplish ,not what u are going to do. rereading is an important part of hte review process.reread with the idea that u are measuring what u have gained from the process. during review , go over the notes u have taken to help clarify points u may have missed or don't understand.the best time to review is when u have just finished studying something.don't wait until just before an examination to do the review. before an examination,do a final review. it can be thought of as a "fine-tuning" of your knowledge of the material.

  thousands of high school and college students have followed the sq3r method to achieve higher grades with less stress.