Institutions of higher learning require students to read challenging and technical material. Students must read a high volume of material, comprehend sophisticated concepts, and recall main ideas and important details. To become a more effective reader, students may employ a variety of strategies to engage the text more actively and recall it more efficiently.

PSQ5R

The PSQ5R method is a technique for understanding a text proficiently. The “P” means “Purpose”: the reader’s purpose for reading a specific text may be to understand a theme, an argument, a main idea, or details. When the purpose is accomplished, the reader stops reading. The “S” stands for “Survey” or “Skim”: the reader briefly looks at the main parts of a text, such as the title, headings, and first and last paragraphs, to determine the theme and the manner in which the author discusses the theme. The “Q” means “Question”: the reader uses headings or topic sentences to compose questions to answer while reading. The five “Rs” are “Read Selectively”, “Recite”, “Reduce/Record”, “Reflect”, and “Review”. The reader reads selectively to achieve the stated purpose, recites mentally the information learned, paraphrases and records the information as notes, thinks about the information, and goes over it again within 24 hours.

• PSQ5R: Elaborates on each of part of the PSQ5R formula.

• PSQ5R Formula: Information on 5SQ5R and other reading strategies.

SQR3

The SQR3 technique is appropriate for complex material such as a textbook chapter. The reader surveys the main sections of the text, such as the title and section headings for the text’s theme and main ideas. This “survey” can also include reviewing study guides. The reader “questions” the text, looking for answers to “who?”, “what?”, “when?”, “where?”, and “why?” The reader then takes notes while reading. After reading the entire chapter, the reader recites the theme and reads the chapter again to review.

• SQR3: Information on the SQR3 reading method and other methods for reading difficult material.

• SQR3 Workshop: Tutorial on how to use the method.

Active Reading

The reader determines a goal to be met through reading a text and uses section headings, first sentences, and key words to determine the parts of a text that must be read thoroughly. Next, the reader highlights or makes notes on the text to retain information. These notes can be used to help summarize the text after the first reading. Finally, the reader reviews and summarizes the information from memory.

• Active Reading: Teaches active reading and includes self-tests.

• Becoming an Active Reader: Reading strategies and tips to master difficult texts.

Critical Reading

This system uses seven strategies to help readers comprehend difficult texts. First, preview a text by going over the table of contents, title, and first paragraphs to determine main ideas and theme. Next, contextualize the reading by finding out about its historical and cultural background. Then, write questions about major sections of the text for further investigation or to ask an instructor. Next, reflect on personal responses to the text, outline and summarize the text’s main ideas, evaluate the text’s argument and the writer’s assertions and finally, compare and contrast the reading to similar readings.

• Critical Reading: How to read difficult or complex texts critically.