How to Study Using the PQRST Method

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This post is going to teach you how to study using the PQRST method. This is a study method that you can use every time you study. It is a proven technique to studying and retaining information for your next test or exam. In fact, you can use it for last-minute revision when you are short for time.

So, before we get any further, What is this so-called PQRST method?

What is PQRST Method?

PQRST, like you might have guessed, every letter stands for a word, and when you use all these action words to study, then you have a high chance of information retention. Here is what each of the letters of PQRST stand for:

P – PREVIEW

Q – QUESTION

R – READ

S – SUMMARY

T – TEST

How to use PQRST Method When Studying?

PQRST must be used in the exact order it appears, and all steps of the method must be used, for maximum efficiency. So, let’s look at PQRST method in full detail. Remember that this method is very good for studying, and if you use it you are guaranteed to remember everything you studied.

Preview

When you start studying your notes, or a new textbook, or anything really, the first thing you should do is to preview the information. What is previewing?

Previewing is when you lightly skim through the content, making sure to pay attention to chapter titles, headings, subheading, any huge letters, or any boldened letters.

Previewing helps you to get a feel for what you are studying. I know most people would think previewing is useless, but consider trying it out. It is a crucial step for studying.

Imagine that you only have time to preview a certain chapter in a textbook. Don’t you think you would have a clue about it? Compared to trying to cram the introduction of a chapter, I think you would know more about a chapter if you previewed it.

Question

Creating questions based on what you have studied is a very powerful tool that students don’t really use when studying. I use this all the time and it is very efficient. It serves to create more connections in your brain. Creating and then answering questions is a great and easy way to study. If you are short for time when studying, try lightly reading through your notes and then making up questions.

In addition to creating questions, answering questions from old tests and exams is also a great way to study. Get one of those books that have past test questions with the answers in them and if you study only that, without studying your notes, you are guaranteed at least 70% in that test.

Write down your questions on a fresh sheet of paper.

Read

I can’t explain how to read! Everyone knows how to read. But now, you are reading after having reviewed and formulated questions for yourself. Read the content that you know will be the answers to your earlier questions. Read these a bunch of times to cement the information into your brain.

You have already reviewed the chapter, so you know what the important parts are.

And you have formulated questions, so your mind will be sharp enough to grab the information that answers the questions. Next, you have to move on to the next step in PQRST method.

Summary

What is a summary? In essence, a summary is a personal way to conclude all the things you read. A summary is made by writing down things you remember. You can also use mind maps and diagrams to help you articulate your thoughts. You don’t really have to remember things word for word when you are making a summary of the chapter you are studying. Just use your own words and language.

You can also go back and read through things again in case you don’t remember them. Try to see if you can remember things without looking. Summaries can include powerful single words that make you remember concepts better. Summaries also involve mnemonics, jokes, and anything to make you remember the things you read.

Test

Now, it is time to test yourself. You should test yourself more, especially in the comfort of your own pace and time. This will help you to be less panicked during a real test or exam.

In the test stage of the PQRST method, you have to get your sheet of paper that contains your questions, and begin to answer them. You will now have previewed, created questions, read and summarized all the information you need. This means that you will easily be able to answer the questions you formulated.

This is a step that you never should skip just because it seems time-wasting. Once again, testing helps your brain to cement further connections within your brain, and the more connections you create, the easier it becomes to recall information.

These are the steps that you have to follow in order to use the PQRST method for studying. You can make this your studying method from now on, and watch how your grades get better and better.

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How to Study Using the PQRST Method

What is PQRST Method?