Study Skills and Why They

Study Skills and Why They Are Important and Reasons to Have Study Skills

Study skills and their importance

Why there is a need to study?

One of the most obvious reasons for study skills is to improve one's grades. An improvement in grades has a number of positive outcomes, including better future prospects for the individual. However, increasing one's academic results is also a motivating factor that encourages the individual to achieve further and contributes to one's self-esteem. This relates to the important aspect of self-efficacy beliefs in education. Self-efficacy is a vital part of a student's development and is commonly defined as the individual's sense of self-control, personal power and responsibility. Larson (2005) states:

As we take charge of our thoughts, feelings, actions, and resulting consequences, responsibility is fostered. We abandon the victim stance of blame and shame. Instead, we embrace self-respect, personal power, and a sense of freedom

(Larson, 2005, p.27).

Therefore the process of studying in the pursuit of excellence involves personal growth and development. This is also strongly linked to the development of the mind and mental capacity. It is only through the exercise of the mental faculties that the power of the mind is expanded

2. Different types of study skills and their effects

2.1. Note taking

Many studies point out the importance of taking notes as means of stimulating learning, as well as organizing data in a cognitively appropriate manner. As an article entitled Optimizing the use of note taking as an external cognitive aid for increasing learning by Makany et al. (2009) states, "Taking noted if of uttermost importance in academic and commercial use and success"( p. 619).

However, there are many different styles and techniques of note taking, including linear as well as non-linear methods. In essence, what many researchers have found is that note taking is a process that is dependent on the individual and the way that he or she learns, perceives and relates to the world. For example, some students may prefer a more open-ended and non-linear due to the way in which they organize data and information.

Note taking is also related to the way that the student manages and organizes information and this is in turn linked to the way the he or she grasps the main points of an issues or concepts. However, note taking can also be subject to the negative aspects of "cognitive overload" (Makany, Kemp, and Dror, 2009). This means that unless note taking skills are learnt and implemented, the student may be overwhelmed with the amount of data. Note taking therefore requires a selective approach to arranging and organizing the main points and concepts.

2.2. Group Studying

Studying in groups has advantages in terms of the way that the student acquires and processes information. There are many articles that advocate group discussion and study as a means of enhancing a student's performance both in class and in tests (Fleming). The rationale behind this view is that group discussions "… force students to alter their old ways of thinking and it changes their less effective patterns of behavior" (Fleming). In other words, group discussions and study can energize and motivate the student to student by providing alternative viewports and encourage them to explore further. Furthermore, it has also been found that studying in groups reduces aspects such as procrastination; and it also improves recall through active speaking and listening in the group situation (The Power of Study Groups).

2.3. Cramming

One of the ways that one can improve one's results is through self-testing and quizzing oneself. However, as Makany et al. (2009) state, "… using short terms quizzes or testing does not always have the desired effect in terms of retention. A study undertaken by Glenn (2007) found, those students who had only tested themselves over a short period had a lower result in tests and exams than those who had repeated the self-tests and quizzes over a long period of time and with intervals in-between. This tends to indicate that study is a process that requires repetition and is most successful in relation to long-term-input and retention.

The above also relates to the process of cramming. While cramming might work in the short-term is it generally seen to not be an effective technique in terms of long-term retention. This also refers to the false impression that cramming is a successful learning technique. As this study notes; "…it is much better to create an interval between the times you study an item" ( Glenn, 2007, p. 2). Similarly, a study entitled Smart way to study (2009) also emphasizes that intervals between study session have been shown to improve retention and understanding of the material. This method also means that information is retained and can be utilized in a more interactive manner by the student.

3. Tips to improve study skills

Study preparations are an important part of developing useful and long-term study skills. As has been referred to, the organization and management of the correct study skills that are appropriate to each individual's predilections is an important aspect that should be borne in mind in the development of successful learning skills. This also includes significant aspects, such as choosing the right time to study and the environment in which one studies. An environment should be selected where there are few distractions and as little noise as possible.

Another important aspect is the time that is set aside for study. A specific number of hours set aside for study each day will help in developing a routine and create a sense of disciple that will assist in the application of various study skills. Other practical aspects include making sure that all the necessary materials, books and notes and other items are assembled in one place. This reduces time wasted in searching for items needed of study and enhances the sense of a set study routine (Lambert and Nowacek, 2006, p.241).