Study Skills Self-Evaluation “You Can Always Do Better” 
An article written by Learning Specialist Susan Roberts
College is about learning about yourself -to put it simply. The challenges you will face as a student often times seem frustrated; like the math class you will never use, the exam you spent 20 hours studying for that you still failed, or the textbook you will never open again. However, through these challenges you will find that somewhere in the middle you learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. You reach new goals and stretch your mental, emotional, and spiritual capabilities to new heights and through the process you PROVE to yourself that if you can get through “this challenge” you can do anything.
As a student, one of the biggest challenges is studying outside of class. The different balancing acts of time management, focus, and study skills are critical for success. For most students learning how to study does not really begin until college. Once in college, study skills are fined tuned through trial and error. However, many students never really get the guidance and help they need in this area, and results in feelings of failure, guilt, or distress usually result in dropping the course or worse failing. So, to answer the question how can you become a better student and do better in your studying and therefore your college career? The answer is simple. Every student should seek support and guidance in the area of study skills. There are tools and people everywhere that can assist you. One of the greatest suggestions you can do for your college career is find a mentor or tutor that can help you work through trials in studying and help you discover yourself in the process.
Here is a questionnaire that will help you “self-evaluate” you study habits and begin to focus on your weakest links.
1. Do you have a folder where you syllabus and papers are organized and accessible?
2. Do you know your grades in the course so far?
3. Do you have your old exams? What did you make and why did you miss problems?
4. Where do you study? How long do you study? Is it effective? What can you do to make this time more effective?
5. Do you have a day planner? Do you know where you are spending you time?
6. When do you “think” the best? Morning or night?
7. Are you easily distracted and do you study in a way that is very hard to focus?
8. What is you learning style? How can you capitalize on your dominant learning style to be more effective?
9. Have you talked to your instructor about your study habits and your grades in the course?
10. Do you have reasonable goals for the class?
11. Can you form study groups or get a tutor on campus?
12. Have you browsed the internet for helpful web sites for study tips?
13. Do you have a mentor that can keep you accountable and guide you through your college career?