Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review.
A research-backed method for reading and retaining complex material. Work through each stage in order.
Source:
Course:
Date:
Before you read, scan the material. Look at headings, subheadings, images, captions, and the introduction and conclusion. Get a feel for the shape of what you are about to read.
What is this text about?
What do you already know about this topic?
Turn each heading or section into a question before you read it. This gives your brain something to look for.
Now read actively, with your questions in mind. The goal isn't to highlight everything, but to look for answers.
Notes as you read:
Close the text. Without looking, answer each of your questions from memory. Write your answers here.
Go back over the material and your notes. Check your answers. Fill in any gaps.
What were the most important ideas?
What did you miss or misunderstand?
What questions do you still have?
In your own words, summarise the whole text in a short paragraph. If you can do this without looking at your notes, you have understood it.