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Critical Approaches to Reading : Be Active

Active Reading - is a method that invites readers to actively engage with and reflect upon how the purpose of the text might support their information needs. Below are some of the many techniques that can be used to help folx engage more actively with their reading...

The SQ3R Method

This method is designed to help readers process and retain written information

S = Survey

Scan the piece of writing for purpose and main ideas. Look for:

  • Titles & Headings (indicate main topics/concepts)
  • Pictures, questions, bold or italicized print (emphasize important information)
  • Introduction & Conclusion (pay special attention to first and last sentences in paragraphs, may have info about topics and/or purpose)
  • Footnotes

Q = Question

Think about what you hope or expect to learn from the reading, as well as any questions that came up during your survey. It may help to write these questions down.

R = Read

Search for answers to posed questions, making notes and highlighting main ideas and other areas of interest.

R = Recite

Paraphrase what you're learning from the text as a way to help with information recall

R = Review

Look over material to ensure understanding and recall. Were all the questions posed answered?

**There are several additional "R" steps to this method that may increase reading engagement. Take the steps that work best for each situation and apply as needed!

R = Relate

How do the concepts in this reading relate to things you already know? Connect new information to terms, concepts, and facts you're already familiar with - it will be easier to remember information if a personal connection can be made.

R = wRite

Writing alongside reading increases connection to the material. Try some of the following writing strategies:

  • Make a "map" to important concepts in the piece
  • Paraphrase/reduce information
  • Take note of key terms and ideas in an outline format

R = Record

If appropriate*, making annotations directly within the text can enable you to return to essential points without needing to re-read entire paragraphs. Some annotation strategies include:

  • Underlining/highlighting
  • Marginal note-making

*Please do not take notes in library books or other shared resources! If you need to annotate, consider scanning the material and annotating a personal physical or digital copy made from those scans.

R = Reflect

Find personal and contextual meaning within the material by asking yourself questions.

  • What within the material has personal meaning to you?
  • How does the content connect to concepts you're learning about in class?
  • How might you apply the information learned from the reading to your life? 
  • What else can you relate to the content you're reading?

R = Respond

Write answers to questions posed, both during the Question phase and while reading. This might be done directly in the margins.