ABSTRACT

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.

chapter |5 pages

Introduction

Academic Success Depends on MOM: Motive, Opportunity, and Means

part 1|26 pages

Motive to Learn

chapter |5 pages

Successful Habit #1

Find Personal Value in What You Are Learning

chapter |6 pages

Successful Habit #2

Set Your Goal to Mastering the Material

chapter |7 pages

Successful Habit #3

Believe that You Can Learn if You Try Hard Enough

chapter |6 pages

Successful Habit #4

Feel Challenged Rather than Threatened

part 2|41 pages

Opportunity to Learn

chapter |5 pages

Successful Habit #5

Give Yourself Time to Learn

chapter |6 pages

Successful Habit #6

Space Out Your Study Time Across Several Sessions

chapter |7 pages

Successful Habit #7

Alternate Among a Few Different Things in Each Session

chapter |8 pages

Successful Habit #8

Study in a Distraction-Free Zone

chapter |7 pages

Successful Habit #9

Clear Your Mind of Worries

chapter |6 pages

Successful Habit #10

Keep Your Mind Focused

part 3|105 pages

Means to Learn

chapter |7 pages

Successful Habit #11

Reread Material that Needs Clarification

chapter |8 pages

Successful Habit #12

Highlight Main Ideas as a First Step

chapter |10 pages

Successful Habit #13

Use Flashcards for Limited Situations

chapter |6 pages

Successful Habit #14

Summarize in Your Own Words

chapter |11 pages

Successful Habit #15

Create Knowledge Maps

chapter |7 pages

Successful Habit #16

Make Drawings

chapter |6 pages

Successful Habit #17

Give Yourself Practice Tests

chapter |8 pages

Successful Habit #18

Explain the Material to Yourself

chapter |8 pages

Successful Habit #19

Try Explaining Material to Others

chapter |7 pages

Successful Habit #20

Engage in Hands-On Activities

chapter |25 pages

Conclusion

20 Habits for Successful Studying