How to Be a Successful Student

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