pqrst method

critical thinking approach to reading and mastering content.

it increases comprehension of material bu ensuring that information is stored in the long term memory. preview, question,read,state,test

overview or survey of what the material is about. gives general big picture of what the author wants to accomplish , not the fine details.

helps you look for and recognize important points or main ideas of the reading material

makes you reflect or think about the material.

it also increases your concentration level.you become active in your reading.these are important elements in the storage of information in long term memory

when you first buy your books look at their table of contents to get a general sense of the organization of the books .read the preface to find out the authors purpose for writing the book,the organization of the material,letter to the instructor,letter to the student and suggestions for reading the book.before reading each assignment: read each of the topics and headings, read the summary, rea the first and last sentences of each paragraph,using general hints listed for reading,read the assignment

as you preview the reading material, ask yourslef questions that may be answered when you read

formulationg your own questions as well as using authors questions, will give you pointers about what details to look got in your reading.

these questions will help you prepare for examinations

by providing you with clues, this step points out what to look for in your reading. the question step also makes you reflect on your reading and increase your concentration level. you become active in your reading

look at the chapter title and each heading, turn titles and headings into questions.if questions are included at the end of a chapter, read these ques before going onto the next step.most authors include learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter. use these objectives to keep your mind inquisitive and to seek ends to these objectives

in this stageyou actually read the material.

you are now gathering information to be stored in your long term memory. look carefully at pictures and charts. they may contain new info or clarify what you have read

you will accumulate info and facts and be able to store them in long term memory

being an active reader by seeking answers to the questions you have formulated will keep up your level of concentration. this allows you to store info in your brains long term memory

read in phrases , a few words at a time, rather then word by word.move your lips while reading or out loud.put expression into your reading.

be aware of your reading assignments that are technical or scientific in nature and care your reading speed accordingly.underline unfamiliar words as you read.

to state means to repeat,in your own words, what you have read

you will understand the organization of the material you are reading and the relationship of the facts to each other. bu increasing comprehension you will be able to apply the information in the clinical area. rote memory fails when it comes time to apply information on tests, and in the clinical area. stating content in your own words will help you evaluate whether you did indeed store the information

stating something aloud involves another sense(hearing).

this provides an additional channel for information to be stored.stating facts in your own words indicates understanding of the material

at the end of each paragraph, look away from your book.ask yourself the main ideas that were covered in the paragraph.state the ideas aloud and in your own words.

this is the key to success in this step. as you become more proficient in this step, you will find that you are able to read more then one oaragraph and still states the the main ideas and the answers to the questions you have formulated.review your marginal notestry to go into detail about your marginal notes

this final step occurs several times after your first study session and involves testing yourself on what you remember

because the testing step in ongoing it will indicate your weak areas. this gives you time to remedy them before an examination. better grades are sure to follow.

this stage settles once and for all whether the info is in your long term memory.

it also indicates your comprehension of the material. when you identify your weak spots you can review them and make sure they are retained in your long term memory. you will be covering the information in small doses but more often. this activity is the best way to encourage the brain to remember

testing stage is really a review stage.review your marginal notes.restate the main ideas presented in the chapter.review your class notes, relate class notes to the info in the textbook, write the info you are having trouble with on index cards, to be carried with you so you can test yourself on the run