How to Be a Successful Student

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.

Richard E. Mayer is Distinguished Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara, USA. He served as President of Division 15 (Educational Psychology) of the American Psychological Association and Vice President of the American Educational Research Association for Division C (Learning and Instruction).

INTRODUCTION: Academic Success Depends on Motive, Opportunity, and Means (MOM) PART 1: MOTIVE TO LEARN Successful Habit #1: Find Personal Value in What You Are Learning Successful Habit #2: Set Your Goal to Mastering the Material Successful Habit #3: Believe that You Can Learn if You Try Hard Enough Successful Habit #4: Feel Challenged Rather than Threatened PART 2: OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN Successful Habit #5: Give Yourself Time to Learn Successful Habit #6: Space Out Your Study Time Across Several Sessions Successful Habit #7: Alternate Among a Few Different Things in Each Session Successful Habit #8: Study in a Distraction-Free Zone Successful Habit #9: Clear Your Mind of Worries Successful Habit #10: Keep Your Mind Focused PART 3: MEANS TO LEARN Successful Habit #11: Reread Material that Needs Clarification Successful Habit #12: Highlight Main Ideas as a First Step Successful Habit #13: Use Flashcards for Limited Situations Successful Habit #14: Summarize in Your Own Words Successful Habit #15: Create Knowledge Maps Successful Habit #16: Make Drawings Successful Habit #17: Give Yourself Practice Tests Successful Habit #18: Explain the Material to Yourself Successful Habit #19: Try Explaining Material to Others Successful Habit #20: Engage in Hands-On Activities CONCLUSION: 20 Habits for Successful Studying