Insitutional Affiliation
The SQ3R reading method is a classroom learning strategy to improve reading comprehension. SQ3R is an abbreviation of the acronym SQRRR, which stands for the five sequential steps of the method: survey, question, read, recite, and review. This strategy is meant not only to help readers better understand their reading content, but also to increase their retention.
The SQ3R method was developed by Francis Pleasant Robinson in 1946, who published his research in his book titled Effective Study. It was originally meant for college students, but today its applicability has been expanded to include school-age children and adolescents, as well as working professionals. Following the steps of the SQ3R method, one learns first, to survey the body of knowledge to find the most appropriate document. This will cut back on time spent reading material that is not relevant to the purposes of the research. In this step, you would scan a book or article to get an overview of the text and to make sure that it is useful to you.
The second step in the SQ3R process is to write down any notes, questions, and comments that you have about your reading. These notes can be about anything. For example, they may be specific to what you have already read, or they can be about what you hope to achieve from reading. This prepares your mind for learning.
The third step is to complete a section-by-section reading of the material. This is a more in-depth reading than that which was accomplished in the first step, Survey. Taking notes during this step is also recommended, since it improves retention and comprehension.
The fourth and fifth steps round out the learning process with recalling and reviewing. When you recall, you identify the most important parts of the reading material. Once you have recalled the information, you can review it regularly to keep it fresh in your mind, by rereading the documents and by engaging in discussions with other people (Mind Tools Editorial Team, 2016).
The primary strength of the SQ3R method is its wide range of applicability. Learners of all ages and students of all subjects can use this method to improve their comprehension and retention of the reading material. One of the weaknesses of this method, however, is the relatively large investment of time and effort that is required to use it effectively.
The Goshgarian method was developed by Gary Goshgarian, a professor of English at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. It is explained in his textbook, Exploring Language (Goshgarian, 2006). The Goshgarian method is a teaching strategy based on the process of reading and analyzing the written works of significant authors from a variety of cultural backgrounds throughout history. One of the strengths of this method is that it introduces learners to a variety of different styles of writing. This method helps learners discover their own unique writing voice by exposing them to a culturally and stylistically diverse range of influences. One of the weaknesses of this method, however, is that it has a more limited scope than the SQ3R method. Whereas the SQ3R method can be applied to learners of all ages, the Goshgarian method is only relevant to learners who are already at an advanced reading level.
References
Goshgarian, G. (Ed.). (2006). Exploring language. Longman Publishing Group.
Mind Tools Editorial Team. (2016). SQ3R. Retrieved June 22, 2016, from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_02.htm.
