With the PQ4R method, we will be able to memorize better, understand everything we read, and consolidate our knowledge in the long term. Changing habits
University demands a lot from us and presents us with new challenges so that we can ultimately achieve our university
eTítulo. It is no longer enough to prepare for exams by reading the material over and over again until we memorize it, because now the syllabi are too extensive and, with such an inefficient study technique, they would be unmanageable. We have to move away from the familiar and venture into other techniques that not only facilitate learning but also reduce the amount of time we spend preparing for exams. One of these techniques is known as the PQ4R method, which is an acronym for
preview, question, read, reflect, recite, and review. This means that this technique is divided into 6 steps:
preview, question, read, reflect, recite, and review.
PQ4R Method
In reality, this study technique does not invent anything new, but it brings together other effective techniques and systematizes the process. Perhaps its strong point is that it significantly reduces study time and, above all, it aids learning. By using this study technique, we will memorize the syllabi more quickly and, moreover, we will learn them beyond the exam because the PQ4R method enhances the consolidation of knowledge in long-term memory. Throughout its 6 steps, we will use different areas of our brain, and in each step, we will enhance visual, auditory, and even kinesthetic memory.
Parts of the PQ4R Method
With the PQ4R method, we will divide the study into 6 different parts. Let's see them one by one:
Preview (preview): This is the first step and it only takes a few minutes. We should not linger. It consists of doing a quick reading in which we identify the important points so that we can get a general idea of the content. To do this, we will look for the titles and subtitles of the text or the first and last paragraphs, which are the places where we can find the main ideas. We can take notes or underline with a color code, but we should not waste time on elaborate tasks. This is just scanning the text, reading over it to get an initial idea.
Question (question): On a sheet of paper, we should write down a series of basic questions that we ask the text. We can start with who, what, how, when, where, why, and continue with more complex things related to the topic, such as what we expect to learn from it or what we already know beforehand. The good thing about this step is that once we get used to the PQ4R method, we can have most of the questions written in advance.
Read (read): In this next reading, we need to delve deeper and do a
comprehensive reading. We should not try to cover everything, but rather work actively section by section. We need to look for the answers to the questions we have formulated in each of the sections and take notes of everything. This way, we are not passively reading the text, but actively focusing on investigating and finding the answers. Thus, what we find is consolidated in long-term memory, and we can consider that we have carried out a much more complete learning process.
Reflect (reflect): Now, it is about verifying that we have answered all the questions and going back if we have missed anything. It is possible that not all the questions we ask have an answer, but it is also possible that we have overlooked something. In this step, as its name suggests, we have to “reflect” on the text we have read, trying to relate it to other knowledge we already had or to other previous lessons. Do we see any errors, inconsistencies, or contradictions? Is there any information we could expand on? If so, we need to review the points that may be in contradiction and try to find where the mistake is, and if we see that we can expand the information by searching in other texts, we should do so to answer our questions as completely as possible. This step is essential for a deep understanding of the subject we are studying and also for developing a critical mind and learning to think from different angles.
Recite (recite): This step serves to memorize using our hearing. The
relationship between memory and hearing has been proven in dozens of scientific studies, and it is positive to study out loud. Even more so if, following the advice of the PQ4R method, instead of just reading and reciting out loud, we do it using our own words. This step encourages group collaboration so that each member's knowledge can be explained and discussed. It will be very beneficial to form a study group in which each member can present what they have learned to the others and then discuss the information collaboratively. In addition, any expanded information will also serve to enrich the group's knowledge through debates.
Review (review): The final step serves to reinforce learning and consists of certifying that we have not missed anything. After completing the previous steps, this allows us to ensure that we have a complete grasp of the material, that all questions have been answered, and that we are able to explain any point without hesitation. It also allows us to create simplified summaries or study cards that cover everything.
