1st Edition
How to Be a Successful Student 20 Study Habits Based on the Science of Learning
How to Be a Successful Student is a clear, concise, evidence-based guide to the habits that are scientifically proven to help people learn. Acclaimed educational psychologist Richard Mayer distils cutting edge research to focus on the 20 best study habits for college students, including habits for motivating yourself to learn, managing your learning environment, and effectively applying learning strategies. This accessible, practical book covers all three areas with evidence-based, approachable suggestions to help you become a successful student by developing effective study habits and rejecting ineffective ones.
INTRODUCTION: Academic Success Depends on Motive, Opportunity, and Means (MOM)
PART 1: MOTIVE TO LEARN
Successful Habit #1: Find Personal Value in What You Are Learning
Successful Habit #2: Set Your Goal to Mastering the Material
Successful Habit #3: Believe that You Can Learn if You Try Hard Enough
Successful Habit #4: Feel Challenged Rather than Threatened
PART 2: OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN
Successful Habit #5: Give Yourself Time to Learn
Successful Habit #6: Space Out Your Study Time Across Several Sessions
Successful Habit #7: Alternate Among a Few Different Things in Each Session
Successful Habit #8: Study in a Distraction-Free Zone
Successful Habit #9: Clear Your Mind of Worries
Successful Habit #10: Keep Your Mind Focused
PART 3: MEANS TO LEARN
Successful Habit #11: Reread Material that Needs Clarification
Successful Habit #12: Highlight Main Ideas as a First Step
Successful Habit #13: Use Flashcards for Limited Situations
Successful Habit #14: Summarize in Your Own Words
Successful Habit #15: Create Knowledge Maps
Successful Habit #16: Make Drawings
Successful Habit #17: Give Yourself Practice Tests
Successful Habit #18: Explain the Material to Yourself
Successful Habit #19: Try Explaining Material to Others
Successful Habit #20: Engage in Hands-On Activities
CONCLUSION: 20 Habits for Successful Studying
Biography
Richard E. Mayer is Distinguished Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara, USA. He served as President of Division 15 (Educational Psychology) of the American Psychological Association and Vice President of the American Educational Research Association for Division C (Learning and Instruction).
