Still Learning to Learn by Angela

Still Learning to Learn by Angela - January 2014 Scholarship Essay

I am forty-eight years old and have decided to go back to school. I was an average student in high school and was concerned my age would be a factor in retaining information needed to succeed.

The David Myers’ SQ3R study method helped me to understand what I read and to retain the information. I first learned of this method in General Psychology. SQ3R is an acronym for five steps: Survey, Question, Read, Retrieve, and Review. Using the SQ3R seemed taxing on time and effort at first but with use it was quite effective.

Survey is scanning the material to be read. This includes making a mental note of headings and bolded or italicized sections.

Question yourself during the scanning process. Asking and answering questions related to the material is likely to help recall this information even if the questions is answered wrong. This method makes one realize what has not yet been learned.

Read actively by taking notes. At this point one should be actively searching for the answers to the questions. Make the ideas personal, asking how the material applies to your own life. Does the materials support or challenge your own ideas? How convincing is the evidence? A person should only read as much as one can retain without getting tired.

Retrieve the main ideas. Testing oneself will help one understand what has already been learned. This will also help with retention and build confidence.
Finally, review the material by reading over any notes that have been taken. Take special note of the key ideas and the chapter’s organization. Quickly review the whole chapter. Write or say what a concept is before rereading to check your understanding.

After learning this method of studying I was able to retain much more information in the class than I expected. I was excited to receive a 4.0 not only in psychology but as my GPA for my first semester at Palm Beach Atlantic University.