Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Library and Information Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Library and Information Sciences, Payame Noor University of Zahedan, Zahedan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Study habits and skills is one of the most important factors influencing academic
achievement of students. The use effective study habits and skills are recommended for the better learning
of students. This study investigates the study habits and skills of students of Zahedan University of
Medical Sciences, Iran.
Methods: This was a descriptive survey. 342 (total 2382) Students of Zahedan University of Medical
Sciences were chosen by stratified random sampling (with probability proportional to size) in the second
semester of 2010-2011. Data were gathered with the Redwood college study habit inventory, which
consisted of 2 parts including demographic question (10 questions), and general question (51 questions).
Its validity was approved by experts, and its reliability was calculated by Cronbach’s Alpha (α = 0.855).
Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, and mean), one-way ANOVA, and
student’s independent t-test in SPSS 15 statistical software. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered
statistically significant.
Results: The main issues of students in respect to study habits and skills were in time management with
mean of 2.86, remembering with 2.93, studying a chapter with 2.98, listening and note taking with 3.07,
concentration with 3.09, test taking with 3.28, and motivation with 3.38. Girls scored slightly better in
remembering, listening and note taking, and motivation. However, boys scored higher in test taking.
Conclusion: The results showed that the study habits and skills of students are at a moderate level. Due to
the importance of studying, planning to improve the study habits and skills of students is necessary.
Keywords
1. Hohn RL. Classroom learning & teaching. Boston, MI: Longman Publishers USA; 1995.
2. Saif AA. Methods of Learning And Reading. 2nd ed. Tehran, Iran: Dowran Publication; 2010. p. 43, 55, 205.
[In Persian].
3. Barati Alavije H. Reading Psychology. Isfahan, Iran: Payam Alavi Publication; 2004. [In Persian].
4. Improvement of study skills & Effective methods in learning. Tehran, Iran: Teb Tazkieh Publication; 2001.
[In Persian].
5. Naderi F, Shabani A, Abedi MR. Reading Behavior in Postgraduate Students of Isfahan University in Digital
Environment in Base Demographic Elements. Journal of Academic Librarianship and Information Research
2010; 44(1): 51-72. [In Persian].
6. Alipoor B. Reading Qualification. Tehran, Iran: Deklamegaran Publication; 1997. [In Persian].
7. Ashrafi Rizi H, Kazempour Z. Students familiarity with reading methods: A literature review. Ketabmah-e
Kolliyat 2009; 12(11): 70-3. [In Persian].
8. Hartman VF. Teaching and Learning Style Preferences: Transitions Through Technology. VCCA Journal 1995;
9(2): 18-20.
9. Erfani N. Step to Step Instruction of Study Skills. Hamedan: Faragir Hegmataneh Publication p. 1-10, 126; 2006.
10. Shabani A, Naderi F. Reading and studying genesis proccess. Ketabmah-Koliat 2009; 12(11): 66-9.
11. Staiger RC. Road to Reading. Trans. Sepordeh P. Tehran, Iran: Public Library Board of Trustees; 1991. p. 6, 10.
12.Moghadam M, Cheraghian B. Study Habits and Their Relationship with Academic Performance among Students
of Abadan School of Nursing. Strides Dev Med Educ 2009; 6(1): 21-8. [In Persian].
13.Nourian A, Shah Mohammadi F, Mousavi Nasab SN, Nourian A. Study Skills and Habits of the Students in
Tehran Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences in the Academic Year 2008-2009. Strides Dev Med Educ
2010; 7(2): 104-11. [In Persian].
14.Abdekhodae MS, Ghafari A. The Relationship between Students' Usage of Study and Learning Strategies and
their Academic Achievement. Studies in Education and Psychology 2010; 11(2): 211-26. [In Persian].
15. Igun SE, Adogbeji OB. Study Habits of Postgraduate Students in Selected Nigerian Universities. Library
Philosophy and Practice [Online]. 2007; Available from: URL:
www.http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1154&context=libphilprac/
16.Derossis AM, Da RD, Schwartz A, Hauge LS, Bordage G. Study habits of surgery residents and performance on
American Board of Surgery In-Training examinations. Am J Surg 2004; 188(3): 230-6.
17.Oyeronke A. Reading Habits of Secondary School Teachers: A Study of Selected Secondary Schools in Ado-Odo
Ota Local Government Area. Library Philosophy & Practice 2009; 11(2): 1-4.
18.Kumar D, Singh R, Siddiqui JA. Newspaper Reading Habits of University Students: A Case Study of Chaudhary
Charan Singh University, India [Online]. 2011; Available from: URL:
www.https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox. 2013. 19.Mirzaie Kh. Research, Researching & Writing. Tehran, Iran: Jameeshenasan Publication; 2009. [In Persian].
20.College of Redwood study habit questionnaire. Study Habits Survey [Online]. 2011 [cited 2011 Feb 20];
Available from: URL: http://www.Redwood.edu/calsoap A pdf/12.pdF/
21.Kooshan M, Heidary A. Study Habits in Students of Sabzevar School of Medical Sciences. Journal of Sabzevar
School of Medical Sciences, 2007; 13(4): 185-9.
22.Nneji L. Study habits of Nigerian university students, in Quality Conversations. Proceedings of the 25th
HERDSA Annual Conference; 2002 Jul 7-10; Perth, Western Australia; 2002. p. 490.
23.Hosseini MH, Ahmadieh MH, Shavazi MA, Farsani SE. Study Skills in Bachelor Students in the School of Public
Health, Yazd, 2006. Strides Dev Med Educ 2008; 5(2): 88-93. [In Persian].
24.Nickerson GT, Kritsonis WA. An Analysis of the Factors That Impact Academic Achievement among Asian
American, African- American, and Hispanic Students. Doctoral forum National Journal for Publishing and
Mentoring Doctoral Student Research 2006; 3(1): 1-4.
25.Nourian A, Mousavinasab N, Fahri A, Mohammadzadeh A. Medical Students' Study Skills and Habits in Zanjan
University of Medical Sciences. Iran J Med Educ 2006; 6(1): 101-7. [In Persian].
26.Boehler ML, Schwind CJ, Folse R, Dunnington G, Markwell S, Dutta S. An evaluation of study habits of thirdyear
medical students in a surgical clerkship. Am J Surg 2001; 181(3): 268-71.
27. Erfani N. Relation of Study Skills with Educational Advancement in Hamedan Payam Noor University Students.
Peyk Noor 2011; 9(2): 90-6. [In Persian].
28. Tella A, Akande S. Children reading habits and availability of books in Botswana primary schools: implications
for achieving quality education. The Reading Matrix 2007; 7(2): 117-42.
29.Ashrafi Rizi H, Taheri B, Khoshkam Z, Kazempour Z. A Survey on Level of Students' Familiarity with Studying
Methods in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) in 2010. Iran J Med Educ 2011; 10(5): 1045-55.
[In Persian].
30.Ashrafi Rizi H. Introduction to studying & role of special services of public library in development of reading
culture. Tehran, Iran: Chapar Publication; 2004. [In Persian].
31.Nikrad A. Studio Educational: Acquaintance To Correct Roads Of Reading & Learning [Online]. Available
From: URL: http://ktmt.blogfa.com/post-16.aspx/ [In Persian].
32. Starke MC. Retention, Bonding, and Academic Achievement [microform]: Effectiveness of the College Seminar
in Promoting College Success [Online]. 1995; Available from:
http://www.eric.ed.gov/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED374741. [In Persian].