The ROWAC Study Method

The SQRQCQ Study Method

SQRQCQ was developed by L. Fay in 1965 to help math students with word problems. Many students report having “math anxiety” and the problem may be lack of knowledge about how to approach the task. Research shows that more students have problems with math word problems than with simple calculations. SQRQCQ stands for Survey, Question, Read, Question, Compute, and Question.

1. Survey: Quickly read the problem and get an idea of what is needed to solve it. (Notice key terms and narrow down which chapter or topic the question relates to)

2. Question: Question yourself about what is being asked in the problem. You can often clarify difficult material by verbalizing it or thinking it through silently. (Clarify exactly what the question is asking for – what piece or type of information is required of you in the answer?)

3. Read: Do a careful and deliberate reading of the problem. Pay attention to all aspects and details. (What information are you given to help you arrive at the required information? For word problems, relate the units of the numbers given in relation to units of the axes on the graph.)

4. Question: Ask and then decide what mathematical operation must be performed and in what order. (How will you use the information you are given to get to the information required?)

5. Compute: Do the mathematical computations on which you decided in the last step. (Do the actual math step-by-step on paper.)

6. Question: Check your work by reviewing the entire process; determine whether or not your answer is correct.

Source: Roberts, Judy M. (2004). Effective Study Skills. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. SQRQCQ Analogy

When doing math problems, we often jump right into the mathematical computations. We want to “just get it over with” and be free of the stress of an unfinished and unpleasant math problem. The problem with starting with the math is that you haven’t given any thought to what math to use. In the SQRQCQ method, the math comes later: not until step five. A complete understanding of a math topic involves more than cueing yourself to simplify or solve when you see numbers and variables. Just doing the math is often a way we try to avoid engaging with what seems to be a difficult problem. But to really learn at math, you need to know the actual names of the topics and operations you are using (these are usually given as chapter titles and section headings in the textbook). For a given problem, the concepts or relevant lessons involved need to be recalled. Here is an analogy for the SQRQCQ problem-solving process:

In order to navigate a thick forest, you need a map. SQRQCQ reminds you to choose your direction before starting out. Doing the first four steps are like identifying your destination and plotting your course to reach it. Only after deciding on a course is it appropriate to start walking (step five).