Monitoring+Study+Habits


 * Summary**

One of the most effective tools that a student has in his or her toolbox is studying. However, not all study techniques are equal, and constant reevaluation of how students study is required if they hope to use their time to its fullest advantage. //Monitoring Study Habits// (Lenski et. al, 2011: 215) enables students to become aware of ways to become more effective studiers. If students are given the opportunity to monitor how they study, adapt how they study, and see positive results from that practice, they more likely to maintain positive study habits. Regardless of discipline studying is key, but the social studies offer a particular advantage forum to teach study students study skills and how to be effective studiers.


 * Directions**


 * 1) **Explain** to students that being aware of how they study and using that knowledge to become more effective studiers is a vital skill that will facilitate the learning process throughout their lives.
 * 2) **Emphasize** that one way to become a more efficient studier is to self-evaluate their study habits using survey about study habits.
 * 3) **Provide** students with the //Study Skills Self-Assessment// survey linked below, or create your own using the criteria and skills that are specific to your discipline.
 * 4) Once students have completed the survey have them **Reflect** upon their strengths and weaknesses. This strategy is the most effective when students return to the survey from time to time to see how their study habits have changed.


 * Example**

Below is an example of a //Study Skills Self-Assessment Survey// that can be used to help students identify their strengths and weaknesses as a studier. This particular survey highlights strategies that are most effective when studying a piece of text.