STUDY HABITS
Many studies have been carried out which make available today an important
record on study habit (Ogunmakin, 2001; Kumar, 2002; Gbore, 2006). They argued that
study habit have strong relationship with academic performance of students while other
researchers (Owolabi, 1996; Whihite and D’ Onofrio, 1993) concluded that it was the
combination of the study habits and other factors that could explain students’ academic
performance in any course of study.
One method of engaging good study habits is one to know what they learn. In this
case, textbook reading is one of many ways. According to (Ertmer & Newby, 1993),
effective study habits must be based on student’s existing mental structures or schema
which is organized in a way that students are able to gain new information from preexisting knowledge such as instructional design textbook. Textbook reading also referred
as a basic technique for learning success, helps improving vocabulary skills and
developing reading flexibility as stated in (Mcwhorter, 2001).
Many other factors are known to affect study habits and note taking is one of it.
Eliot et al (2002) claimed that students who practiced note taking in class and studying
that notes can maintain their knowledge much longer. Moreover, note taking was proven
by (Austin, Lee & Carn, 2003 ; Bretzing et al, 1987) to increase students success when
used effectively.
As for the other study habits related to cognitive learning theory such as
memorizing or learning through memory, (Rio Sumarni & Shariffudin, 2007) stated it is
defined by an organization of knowledge in the brain and the way it is stored and recalled
in future. Another main perspectives in learning theories is constructivism.
Constructivism has been believed as the most successful theories of learning
(Xiao-zhen, 2008) and is proven that the application of constructivist theory is effective in
a way that helps improve learners’ reading skills and strategies as well as educates
independent and cooperative learning.
Time management is also among many study habits found in learning theories and
has become crucial for everyone these days. Students for example, (Cusimano, 1999)
found that effective time management plays a major role in their success. Effective time
management is further defined as achieving goals or objectives without losing time when
studying (Telman, 1996 : 40).
Previously, many students had tried to classify learning strategies. (Jing Lin,
2010). There are differences between primary strategies and support strategies in learning
theory according to Dansereau (1985). He also stated that support strategies help in
avoiding distractions, fatigue and frustrations which then leads to appropriate study
habits.