Study Habits and Skills of Students in Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

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.

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.

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.

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.