The Secrets of Successful CSM Students
What study methods are used by academically successful students at Colorado School of Mines? In an attempt to answer this question, 342 sophomores completed a questionnaire describing their study methods. Student answers were then correlated to their grade point. The tables below highlight the strategies used by successful (and UNsuccessful) students at CSM.
RESULTS OF THE STUDY
Academically successful CSM students were more likely to describe their study strategies in the following ways:
Overall Description of the Strategy Specific Strategies Used by Successful CSM Students Resources and Information Relating to These Strategies Actively engaging in learning
Organizing information
I am able to distinguish between more important and less important information during a lecture.
When studying, I try to think through a topic and decide what I am supposed to do rather than just reading through the assignment.
I translate what I am studying into my own words.
When I am studying a topic, I try to make everything fit together logically.
I try to find relationships between what I am studying and what I already know.
I try to interrelate themes in what I am studying.
Concept Mapping handout from CSM
How to Organize Information handout
See University of Victoria handouts on organizing information
Frequent and active review of what has been learned After class, I review my notes to help me understand the information.
I review my notes before the next class.
I stop periodically while reading and mentally go over or review what was said.
I test myself to be sure I know the material I have been studying.
I check to see if I understand what the instructor is saying during the lecture.
Academic Reading handout from CSM
Focus
High Standards
I am up-to-date with my class assignments.
When I begin an exam, I feel pretty confident that I will do well.
I set high standards for myself in school.
I concentrate fully when I study.
Stress Management Techniques from CSM
Test Your Best from CSM
Academically UNsuccessful students were more likely to describe their study habits in the following ways:
Overall Description of the Strategy Specific Strategies Used by UNsuccessful CSM Students Resources and Information Relating to These Strategies Surface Learning I memorize grammatical rules, technical terms, formulas, etc. without understanding them.
I have difficulty adapting my studying to different types of courses.
It is hard for me to decide what is important to underline in a text.
I find that during lectures I think of other things and don't really listen to what is being said.
How to Organize Information handout
Study Smart handout from CSM
Where to Study, How to Study handout from Dartmouth
Poor Test-Taking Skills I have trouble understanding just what a test question is asking.
I feel very panicky when I take an important exam.
When I take a test, I realize I have studied the wrong material.
I get so nervous and confused when taking an exam that I fail to answer questions to the best of my ability.
Text Anxiety handout from CSM
Test Your Best handout from CSM
Lack of Focus
I feel confused and undecided as to what my educational goals should be.
Worrying about doing poorly interfers with my concentration on tests.
I often feel like I have little control over what happens to me in school.
When it comes to studying, procrastination is a problem for me.
When work is difficult I either give up or study only the easy parts.
See Univeristy of Minnesota handouts on motivation
See University of Victoria handouts on time management
Procrastination Worksheet from CSM
BACK to Academic Services