Now, here is a typical method of study : SQ3R. This method, which has been proved effective all over the world, could be applied to any type of study, be it studying your class lessons or reading a book of serious nature.
SQ3R stands for SURVEY, QUESTION, READ, RECITE or RECALL and REVISE. These are the five steps of this method of study.
1. SURVEY
Choose the matter to study, keeping in mind its importance, your priorities, and your moods. Have a quick glance through the headings and sub-headings of the material you are going to study. If you are reading a book it would be necessary to go through the Back-cover comment, Table of contents, (Preface, if there is) and even the Introduction. Having an overall perspective helps your mind to organize the data and to be better prepared to receive it.
2. QUESTION
Turn the headings, now, into questions. What is the selection/text about? What do I already know about this topic? What might I expect to learn as I read? If you are studying your lessons try to foresee or formulate questions that might be asked in the exams. Questioning helps to establish your purpose, and makes your mind inquisitive and receptive.
3. READ
Now begin to read. Adjust the speed of reading to the purpose and the kind of text that you are reading. Keep your body posture erect at the same time comfortable. From time to time become aware of yourself studying. The biggest obstacle at this stage is to avoid distractions. The use of pen and paper could be of great help. Write down key words and thoughts as you keep studying. If you are studying a long text (even a prose text), pick out from each paragraph one primary idea. Pick out definitions, dates, names that you may have to memorize.
4. RECITE or RECALL
After studying a section try to recollect what you have studied. Keep your books closed and jot down in sequence a few points from what you have studied. If you are not able to recall, you will have to go through it again paying more attention. More than 50% of your study time should be spend in reciting and recalling. Recalling can be done also during times apart from your proper study time. For instance, when you are travelling to and from school you could try to recall things you have studied in school or at home. This process of recalling helps you to check what you actually know and do not know.
5. REVISE
The points that you were not able to recall need to be revised. Also from time to time revise the whole text. The points you jotted down while reading could be of use here in revising. Revising helps the data to be strongly imprinted in your mind.