SURVEY
Before reading the actual chapter, read the introduction and
summary (if given). Skim through the chapter paying attention to
topic headings, bold-faced words, pictures, charts, and graphs.
These can give you an idea of the general structure and content
before you begin reading.
QUESTION Set a purpose for
your reading by developing questions about the material. Use the
topic and heading information you gathered in the survey step to
create questions to be answered. Begin asking yourself who, what,
where, when, why, and how questions. Questions are most beneficial
when they are general, covering main topics and important points.
READ
Break the material into sections that will take about 20 minutes
to read (often the chapter is already broken into sections which
will work just fine). Read the material section by section. Look
for answers to your questions, key concepts, and supporting
details. Study charts, graphs, tables, and pictures. These can
serve to present new information as well as tie together concepts
from the reading.
RESPOND
After each section, think about the material you have just read
and answer the questions you have asked. This can be done at the
same time as the reading step, since often response is automatic.
The main point of this step is to think about the material, and
take notice of what is important.
RECORD
Go back and underline key concepts and take notes. This can be
done on a separate sheet of paper, on note cards, in the margins
of the textbook, or any way that works well for you. (Do this
after each section.)
RECITE
Next, look away from the material and try to recite the key
information and ideas. Put the material in your own words and go
back and re-read until you feel comfortable with it. This may be
frustrating at first, but it will lead to better understanding and
save you review time in the long run. (Do this after each
section.)
REVIEW
After completing the entire chapter, scan back over the reading
and review the information aloud or in your head. Talk about the
material with a classmate if possible. Try to identify overall
themes and relationships between concepts. Make any necessary
revisions of your notes or markings so they can be easily
understood later.
