Effective Textbook Reading

Textbooks are often lengthy with few pictures, making them very different from the media we read for pleasure. Textbooks usually don't have narrative elements designed to keep us interested. We had to learn to read in school so we could read for pleasure, but the reverse is not true. Textbooks need to be approached with a strategy based on their unique characteristics.<br><br>One method to approach textbooks is the SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) method. This method is widely recommended by experts, varying only in terminology. Find a typical section of the textbook and apply these five steps to it. This will be the best way for you to understand SQ3R. <br><br># Survey<br>Read the section headings and subheadings in the chapter. Also, read the chapter summary and any tables, figures, or pictures. This is a quick way to understand the big picture of what the chapter is about, even if you don't remember the details.<br><br># Question<br>Turn each of the section headings into questions. For example, if you're reading a psychology textbook, a section heading like "Defense Mechanisms" would cause you to ask "What are defense mechanisms?" You should do this for every section heading in the chapter. By converting each section heading to a question, you're creating a framework to help you remember details. Also, you'll stay focused by looking for the answers to your questions.<br><br># Read<br>Read the section looking for answers to your questions. If you can't find the answer, write it down and ask your teacher or a classmate to help you find it. This will help you engage with the section content in a way you wouldn't if you were simply re-reading the section from start to finish.<br><br># Recite<br>Once you have found the answer to the question, write it down in your notes by hand. Don't just type it into your phone. You need to physically write it down by hand. Reciting the answer out loud as you write it down is even better. You can use flashcards if you prefer, but the idea is to put the question on one side and the answer on the other.<br><br># Review<br>Now that you have your questions and answers, review them regularly to help solidify them in your memory. This should be done regularly, ideally once a day and again at the end of the week. Consistency is key.<br><br>I wish I had learned the SQ3R method sooner. I hope it helps you.