The
following checklist includes some key behaviors that are commonly
associated with academic success. Think about how you would respond
to each item: Is this a behavior that you engage in on a regular
basis? If your response to any item is NO or RARELY, it's something
to think about carefully. If you want assistance developing any of
these skills, you might consider enrolling in a study skills class.
Areas essential to strong study habits include:
I have clearly-defined, long-term educational goals.
2.
I set goals for myself each week.
3.
I recognize the times of day when I’m most mentally alert.
4.
I use a weekly schedule to organize my work, study, and
social
life.
5.
I have a place where I study on a regular basis that is
comfortable, has the tools I need to study, and is without
distraction.
6.
I always go to class.
7.
I utilize a note taking method that enables me to accurately
record lecture information.
8.
In class, I am aware of whether or not I fully understanding
the ideas.
9.
I participate in class discussions, and raise my hand when I
don’t understand something.
10.
I spend some time soon after class reading over my notes, to
improve them if necessary, to reflect about the ideas, and do
any assigned exercises or homework problems.
11.
After going through my class notes, if there are any ideas
that I have difficulty understanding, even after going back to
the text, I check with someone who can help (Classmate, Teacher,
Tutor, Learning Center).
12.
I read my text (or do other appropriate preparatory work)
every week before going to class.
13.
As I read my text, I pay a lot of attention to the text
structure: study questions, text in bold or italics, headings,
glossary, pictures, charts.
14.
I have techniques that I use to memorize important
information.
15.
I have a system and use it for summarizing the main points of
the text, by doing some of the following: I highlight, make
marginal notes, make summary notes, or use the study guide.
16.
I do occasional review of past text chapters and/or class
notes even when I don't have a test looming.
17.
I give myself enough time to review adequately for a test.
18.
I find ways to self-test during my test review--instead of
just reading over the information.
19.
I study with other students and join study groups, even when
they aren’t assigned.
20.
I maintain a healthy diet and get my necessary sleep,
especially before a test or exam.
21.
I am able to manage my anxiety in tests or exams.
22.
I plan my exam writing based on the amount of time and the
value of individual questions.
23.
I go over my returned exams to learn about the type of
mistakes that I made.