Reading and Memory

Photo by Thought Catalog Links to an external site.on Unsplash.com

 

Reading and Memory

When we read, the ideas and information do not jump off the page and enter our brains. We need to use the active learning approaches introduced in the last module.

 This module will offer several options for active reading strategies that will help you to understand what you are reading and to remember it later. 

 

Remembering What You Read

Chunking

Chunking breaks ideas and information into meaningful groupings.

Chunking Reading for Recall Links to an external site. by Purdue University. 

The SQ3R study method

David Myers - Make Things Memorable Links to an external site. (WorthPsychTLC. 5:13) describes key steps to improve your memory: 

• • • • • Active learning - Think about what you are learning, take notes, practice remembering  
        • Distributing your study time - Study over many days
        • "Testing effect" - Taking tests helps you to remember material

He also introduces the "SQ3R" approach to understanding and remembering what you read: 

• • • • • Survey - quickly scan the chapter title and section headings. 
        • Question - ask yourself what you will be learning in this chapter and do your best to answer that question.
        • Read - read for the answer to your question, ask more questions, take notes in your own words.
        • Retrieve - pause regularly and work to remember what you've read and say it in your own words.
        • Review - review the chapter headings and your notes. 

A written summary of the SQ3R method Links to an external site. is also available that was adapted by the University of Arizona from notes by James R. Fleming, Colby College, 1996.