Entry #2: Reflections on Using SQ4R Reading Comprehension Strategy

    Using the SQ4R reading comprehension strategy this week made me more aware of my own ways of approaching reading and understanding a text and how these ways are similar and different from this strategy. As I consider my interaction with this strategy, I must first relate how I most often read texts. Usually, I do a lot of underlining, taking notes, and outlining on a paper copy of a text. I find it very difficult to stay engaged as a reader and to comprehend what I'm reading if I read a long text on a computer. Thus, I'm more comfortable having a paper copy of the text that I write directly on and sometimes even taking additional notes on the text. 

    Because of my strong need to write on the texts (i.e., notes, outlining), I always buy my textbooks and do not sell them back. Also, I make copies of all the article resources used in class. Although this is considered an extra expense, I've decided it is essential because I know these methods are part of my learning style and how I can get the most out of the information I'm reading. I find I do my best learning if I'm writing down information about what I'm reading or hearing in a lecture or class environment. Sometimes I don't go back to what I wrote, but I believe that taking in the information in my mind and then scribing what I've heard or read is quite helpful for me to remember, process, apply, and discuss the information.

    There were similarities in the SQ4R strategy to how I most often read texts. With this strategy, I engaged with the texts by writing down key points on what I read, which I usually like to do. It was different for me to use sticky notes instead of taking my notes directly on the texts by outlining, underlining, and using the margins. I found the sticky notes to be somewhat cumbersome and distracting at times. It was hard for them to lay down flat on each page, and I still felt I needed the notes on the text to direct my attention and understanding to different parts of the text. Using sticky notes and being "succinct" was difficult initially for me. But the more I did the technique, I decided to read the whole page first and then write key points on the sticky note versus writing notes as I was reading along. This definitely reminded me to read each page first, more "holistically" instead of trying to understand each of the "parts" of that particular text page.

In addition, the SQ4R strategy of reading and noting headings, sections, and tables, is also one that I found to be helpful as I participated in the Forum. This strategy supported my ability to quickly search out discussion points and references in particular sections. I found that the sticky notes got in the way at times in finding the information because I didn't do a good job summarizing. Also, I think building in the time to stop and reflect and "recite" what I've just read and taken notes on is helpful. I could have done a better job of incorporating this part of the strategy. I focused more on the sticky notes, doing a "survey" before I read and "reflecting" on what material would be coming next and what questions would be answered as the article progressed.

Finally, the habits I will need to build to be more engaged as a reader relates to taking the time to stop and reflect on what I've read and how the different parts come together. I need to be better at summarizing what I've read as a whole and reflecting on how it applies to other connections, such as text-to-world connections, because I've found that I can really remember and understand better what I read when I stop to make notes on the connections in my life. I must recognize each time I read a text, my perspective and engagement may evolve and change because of the different moment-by-moment or daily experiences I may have. Thus, it is important to question and think about each of the parts of the whole I'm reading. Building these types of habits, I believe, will help me to become better at pinpointing specific, relatable ideas and information that will add value to engaging in text discussions with my classmates.