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Learning Strategies

SQ4R with Assistive Technology

Most textbooks are available in PDF format. If you have a disability that impacts your ability to read (word decoding, comprehension, reading speed), you may have access to electronic text with the use of Text-To-Speech software (e.g., Kurzweil 3000). Additionally, some computers have built-in capacity to read text aloud via programs such as Adobe Acrobat. Connect with your Accessibility Services Office if you are interested in learning more.  

A common assistive technology to help with reading is Kurzweil 3000, and this can be used quite effectively with the SQ4R strategy. You can use any of the SQ4R strategies in the examples shown below or record your notes within Kurzweil by following the steps below.  

Scan & Question 

  1. Scan the reading and turn the headings into 1-3 questions. Ask yourself what you need to know and use “how", "what", "who", "when", "where", and "why” to help make your question.  
  • Example: Factors Contributing to Climate Change -> “What factors contribute to climate change?”; “How do these factors contribute to climate change?” 
  1. Write the questions in the column notes. 

  • Click on “Column notes”. 

  • Click on “Extract highlights to column notes”. 

  • Pick 1 colour you would like to use.

  • Write the questions created under column 1 / the “main idea” column. 

  • Change column 3 / “other” to “summary”. 

  • Click “Save As” to save a copy of your column notes (TIP: use the same name as your reading).

  1. You can close the column notes by clicking the red “X” on the right side of the column notes. 

Read & Record 

  1. Highlight information that helps answer your questions. You can change the label of the colour you use: 

  • Click on “Highlighters”.

  • Click on “Customize highlighters”. 

  • Label the colour you would like to use for supporting points.

  1. Re-open your column notes to check information and reorganize your highlighted information as needed.  

  • Click on “Column notes”. 

  • Click on “Open existing”. 

  • Click on the file name you saved for your column notes.

Rephrase  

  1. At the end of each section, write a summary of your highlights in the “Summary” column.

  • Write this in your own words.

  • Try to think of examples to help you picture and understand the information.

Review 

  1. Periodically review your notes by recalling information.  

  • Open your reading and click on “Column notes”. 

  • Click on “Open existing”. 

  • Click on “Cover second column” or “Cover third column” to hide information.

  • Practice explaining aloud or rewriting the hidden information.