Reading Comprehension
Strategy: Integrated Reading/Study Strategy (KWRL/SQ3R)
Appropriate Grade Level: 7-12
Procedures/Steps:
This strategy (IRSS) integrates KWL and SQ3R to increase the student’s reading
comprehension and note taking skills.
-KWL: this is a chart that has 3 columns labeled, “K, W, L”. Students use this chart to take
notes as they read. Teachers use this information to assess what the students’ best current
understandings, interests in learning, and what needs to be taught. Students fill out each
column accordingly:
-“K”: “Know”. Students fill out what they already know about the text.
-“W”: “Want to Know”. Students fill out what they want to know about the text.
-“L”: “Learned”. Students fill out what they have learned from reading the text.
Example: KWL
What I Know
Want to Know
Learned
A square has 4 sides.
What other shapes
have 4 sides?
A rectangle also has 4
sides.
-SQ3R: this is a framework for students to follow as they read to better understand the text.
Students may fill in columns in a chart form, bulleted note taking form, outline form, etc. Each
section should be filled out accordingly:
-“S”: “Survey”. Students survey the chapter before they read to gain a general
main understanding of what is going to be covered in the text using titles,
headings, captions, pictures, etc.,
-“Q”: “Question”. Students ask themselves questions as they are surveying the
text such as, “What did my teacher say about this text when it was
assigned?” “What information am I trying to gather?” “What do I already
know about this text?” etc.
-“3R”: “Read, Recite, Review.”
 Students read the text using any reading strategies
that are effective for them.
 Students then recite what they’ve read by rereading out loud, reading notes they’ve taken, underlining, highlighting,
etc.
 Students Review the text material as an ongoing process
independently and/or with teacher and class.
Example: SQ3R
Recite
Review
Survey
Question
Read
Text: “All about
shapes”
What shapes
have 4 sides?
Pgs. 1-20
Squares and
rectangles have
4 sides.
Pgs.1-20,
notes.
Reading Comprehension
-IRSS (KWRL): this is a chart that combines a KWL and SQ3R for students to use both
strategies simultaneously. Step “K” was integrated with “S”, step “W” was integrated with
“Q”, and “L” was integrated with “3R” of the SQ3R. Instructional teaching of the text must
always follow IRSS.
Example: KWRL
Learned
What I know
1. Survey:
Text: “All about
shapes”.
2. Know:
I know that a square
has 4 sides.
Want to Know
1: Question: What
other shapes have 4
sides?
2: Want to Know: I
want to know if any
other shapes have 4
sides.
Read
Pgs. 1-20
*Attach note sheet
from reading text.
1. Recite: Squares
and rectangles have
4 sides.
2: Review:
Pgs.3,7,18 were
unclear. (re-read)
3: Learned:
There are multiple
shapes that have 4
sides including
squares and
rectangles.
Comments and/or tips:
-While students are reading/filling out their charts in class, teacher has time to walk
around and monitor engagement or provide 1 on 1 help to learners who appear to be
struggling.
-If students complete chart at home, teacher must review all the charts before providing
the lesson over the content area.
-“KWRL” charts provide the student with a great study tool for future assessments.
Source:
Taslidere, E., & Eryilmaz, A. (2010). The relative effectiveness of integrated reading
study strategy and conceptual physics approach. Research in science education,
42(2), 181-199.