So you’ve learned how to keep yourself motivated to study continuously; kudos! Now the challenge is learning the material itself. It seems that the material is very difficult to understand or that you find yourself forgetting the very next day. I can understand your frustration. I was there too!
Thankfully, there’s an almost bullet proof method for learning faster and retaining more information. The method was introduced by Francis Pleasant Robinson in his 1946 book Effective Study.
The method is called SQRRR or SQ3R for short and is named for its 5 step method:
Survey – Question – Read – Recite – Review.
It’s an extremely effective method for both reading comprehension and retention of information so it’s worth learning how to apply it. I think it’ll be super useful to you during your exam preparations. After all, it was for me and I passed both exams on my first try.
How Does SQ3R Work?
Survey:
Go through the material without spending too much time reading the detail. Read the intro and summary of the chapter. Read all the headings and subheadings of the chapter that you are about to study. It’ll help you understand how the material is structured. By surveying the chapter, you’ll anticipate what the content is all about.
Question:
By asking questions such as: What are the key points of the chapter? or What formulas should I commit to memory? will help keep the content interesting and engaging. Keep your questions in mind while studying a chapter and see how much more interesting the material becomes.
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Read:
Now this one seems obvious doesn’t it? It actually isn’t. You need to be an active reader for this to work. An active reader will underline and/or highlight important phrases and formulas, summarize key concepts in his/her own words on a notebook or in the margins of the textbook. The key here is to be active. The more you are, the more you will retain. It’s that simple.
Recite:
After reading a few pages, take your eyes off the books and try answering the questions from the “Questions” step. If you can’t answer them, then go back and read the material again until you can. It can be frustrating at times, but remember that if you can’t answer the questions now, it’ll be impossible during the exams. Take your time now, and you’ll be grateful that you did when you are in the Prometric room taking your exams.
Review:
Now we are in the last step. Review the material after reading each chapter. Go through your underlines and highlights. Try to recite key concepts and formulas. This is the time to solidify all that you’ve learned and commit it to memory. Review the material every other day to insure that your ability to recall.
In Summary
SQ3R seems like a long process, and it will be at first, but the pay off is there if you put the effort into it. This technique has proven to help students retain 70% of what they study. Wouldn’t that be helpful?
I hope that you found this article helpful. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to use the Comments section below. I will respond promptly.
Also feel free to use the social icons below to share this article with your circle of friends. They may also benefit from learning and applying SQ3R.
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Hi, I’m Nathan Liao (aka the CMA Coach)! For the last 10 years, over 82,000 accounting and finance pros came knocking at my door seeking guidance and help. If you’re also aiming to conquer the CMA exam on your very first try—without wasting away time or money—you’ve found your ultimate guide. Dive in deeper to discover more about me and the dedicated team that powers CMA Exam Academy. Click here and let’s embark on this journey together!
15 Comments on “The Best Studying Technique – SQ3R”
Dear Nathan,
I intend to take Part 1 exam in June 2017.
Right now, I feel nervous as I really have no idea how to have effective study schedule.
Some people guide me to study as least 4 hours in week days and 8 hours in weekend but I really don’t how to do. I have to read the book first then practice multiple choice questions right? And how about essay questions?
The fact is that I forget all when I turn to next part. I really feel disheartened.
Please help guide me how to effectively study Part 1 and prepare for the exam in June 2017 daily, weekly, monthly.
Thank you so much your sharing!
Your warmest regards
Duong Ha
Hi Duong,
Worrying is normal but preparation and effective study habits will always lead to higher chances of passing the exam.
We can guide you in your CMA journey. You may check this link for further information.
Thanks and Regards,
Nathan
Dear Nathan,
In addition to my previous information, I have 10 years of working experience in manufacturing, construction & outsourcing companies. I have completed my commerce(B.Com) & MBA.
Regards
Balaji
Dear Nathan,
I am planning to register CMA course & I can spend 2 to 3 hours in all my day. I wanted to clear the exam in first attempt. So kindly forward me the study plan, suggested study materials & study and exam tips.
Thank you,
Regards
Balaji
Balaji, I’m glad you’ve chosen the CMA as your professional designation. The exam pass rate is very low when candidates self study. It’s around 20% I believe. You’ll have a great chance at passing by working with a coach.
If you are interested in working with me, check out my highly successful CMA coaching program.
I am having a hard time using SQ3R what are some tios I can use?
Hi Adriana,
What part of the technique are you having difficulty with? Perhaps I can coach you a bit and help you apply it in a more effective way.
Really helpful . Thanks Mate 🙂
Rgds,
TRK*
You are very welcome Tariq. Thank you for your encouragement.
Nathan
hello
Do you try this techninque, dear Mr.Nathan i want schedule for study i have 2 hours in all my day only
and i will enter to exam in 4/5/2013 and untill now i dont do anything pleasa help me in put schedule to study,review and answer questions
thanks
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
Yes, I’ve used this technique, and works very well. the IMA recommends that candidates study at least 150 hours before taking each exam, but you also need to take other factors into consideration. Do you have a background in accounting and/or finance? If you do, it’ll help greatly. if not, you may need more than 150 hours to prepare for each exam.
The study guides that I’m putting together will be finished this month. It’ll provide you with a studying schedule and many tips to guide you through your exam preparations 🙂 I’ll try to finish it faster so that you may have more time to prepare. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
Thank you and best of luck!
Nathan
thanks for replying me mr Nathan
i will do exam in 4-5-2013
so i want the schedule and all u will put it in cma coach quiqly please and the technique of answering questions and i am afraid i have hard feeling i am afraid when i think i will go to exam
thanks
Andrea,
It’s totally normal to feel nervous about taking an exam like this. It seems daunting, but if you remember to take one day at a time, the whole process will feel easier.
As soon as I have the guides I will write a post and announce it 🙂 Stay tuned….
Nathan
Dear Nathan, This is a very useful technique .
I’m very glad that you found it useful. Thank you for your feedback.