By Coby Kindles/reporter
Failing grades regardless of the hours and effort put forth in study time could indicate poor study habits. But bad study habits can be broken, one SE professor said in a Collegian interview.
“ Lack of time organization is usually what hinders a student’s ability to learn productively,” Bethanye Bagby, SE assistant professor of biology, said. “It is imperative that the amount of time spent on each subject is appropriate to the assignment given and the level of difficulty in the course.”
Cathy Rose, a former TCC student now majoring in history at the University of Texas at San Antonio, offered advice from a student perspective.
“ A useful tip is that if you study better in the mornings, then try and set your schedule during the morning,” she said. “And if nights are better, then take courses at night.”
Working environment plays a significant role in how efficient the study session will be. Some students say they enjoy studying alone in a quiet place, such as the library, but others enjoy working in groups with other students.
According to Clifford Morgan and Ellin Deese’s Handbook for Students, the best place to study is at a table or desk, not on a bed. The book says that if people read or study in a prone position, they are more likely to daydream or doze off.
Bagby recommends making a plan of action. This plan can be as simple as one assignment or even having the whole day planned out.
Study sequence is also important, Bagby said. Some students enjoy doing the difficult subjects first, and others like getting the easier assignments out of the way right off the bat. Students should try different methods until they find the most effective way for them.
Surprisingly enough, the numbers of breaks are an important part of studying. Morgan and Deese said sleepiness can affect studying. Breaks are a way of relieving sleepiness, stress and frustration. A good way to manage breaks is by planning and timing them.
Good study habits are lifelong skills worth developing, according to Morgan and Deese. Students can find places on campus to study, such as the library or an empty classroom.
A good time to develop good study habits is at the beginning of a college career, but it is never too late to learn. Attending college is a lot of work; plus, tuition, books, transportation and other items cost a lot of money. But study habits will help students get the most value for their money.
Following are ways to improve studying.
1. Study in chunks. Students should set aside 20-50-minute time periods followed by a brief break (no more than 10 minutes).
2. Try to use daylight hours to study. An hour of studying during the day is worth two at night, so students should do the work that requires the most concentration (typically reading) early in the day.
3. Rank classes and spend time on the most challenging class every day and early in the day.
4. Study actively. Students should make up and ask themselves questions, review notes regularly, and discuss key concepts with peers and the course professor.
5. Study with a partner or in a group. Interaction with others can make studying more interesting, so students may retain more of the information.
Bagby said good study skills usually depend on one thing: a willingness to want to improve and do well in school.
“ If you really don’t want to make the effort and sacrifice, no amount of suggestions, ideas or outlines can help much,” Bagby said. “You are the one who is responsible for your education, and effective study skills can help you.”
