PURPOSE/BACKGROUND

At this step, STRATEGIZE, we "teach" listening skills, reading skills and the SQRRR method. The SQRRR method was initiated after World War II to help the influx of G.I.'s into the colleges on the G.I. Bill to learn more effectively. The steps in the method are as follows: S-SURVEY, Q-QUESTION, R-READ, R-RECITE, R-REVIEW. This technique is not limited to textbook reading, it can be employed for any kind of reading passages across all grade levels. A description of each of the steps follows.

S-SURVEY: Glance over the headings in the chapter to see the main points which will be developed. Also read the final summary paragraph if the chapter has one. Look at pictures, graphs, charts, tables, visual aids and vocabulary. Read the questions listed at the end of the chapter. Make guesses as to what the chapter is about and make a survey of yourself to determine what you already know about the subject. This orientation will help you to organize ideas as you read them later and to focus your attention.

Q-QUESTION: Turn the first heading into a question using HOW, WHEN, WHAT, WHICH, WHY or WHERE statements. This establishes a purpose for reading and gives you immediate things to look for. You are encouraged to watch for details and the questioning helps you to pay close attention and to concentrate better. Furthermore, it gives you practice in creating questions from the reading materials, which may then reemerge as possible test questions.

R-READ: To answer the question you developed in the Q-Question process, read to the end of the first headed section. Reading is not passive plodding along each line, each word, but an active search for an answer. You now have a purpose for reading. 

R-RECITE: Having read the first section, look away from the book and try briefly to recite the answer to your question. Use your own words and try to include an example. If you can do this you know what is in the book; if you cannot, glance over the section again. Say the answer in your mind or out loud. You may want to write down the answers or take notes in outline form.

R-REPEAT: QUESTION, READ, RECITE: for every section of the assignment until the entire lesson is completed.

R- REVIEW: When the lesson has been completely read, look over your notes and check your memory as to the content by reciting the major subheadings under each heading. This checking of memory can be done by covering up the notes and trying to recall the main points. This step overcomes forgetting and should be a planned part of each study period.

LISTENING

You as a student gather about three-fourths of your facts and ideas through listening and only about one-fourth through reading. Yet, if you are like most students, your knowledge of the skills of listening is very slight or perhaps non-existent. With so much of your school time spent listening, listening skills need to be developed.

Giving attention in class is a real problem since the brain can process more than five times as many words per minute as can be spoken. In fact, only approximately 10% of your thinking power is used in hearing the words spoken by a lecturer or teacher. What happens to the remaining 90% can make the difference between an "A" and an "F".

Classes can be profitable. Classes can be enjoyable. You can learn to understand more of what is being said. You can make your activities during the class period save you hours of study time outside of the class. All of this by following the effective listening procedures listed below.

1. Be prepared to listen when the speaker begins and have your note taking materials ready.

2. Formulate questions that you hope will be answered.

3. Skim through the topic or assignment ahead of time.

4. Look at the one who is talking.

5. Stay involved by asking or answering questions.

6. Take notes.

7. Listen attentively without restlessness.

8. Listen to an entire statement and not just to part of it.

9. Learn from others.

10. Willingly share what you know.

11. Remember the important points.

12. Listen even when the topic is not of your liking.

13. Draw conclusions and inferences based on fact and not bias.

14. Shut out distractions and keep quiet.