Study habits and skills, and academic achievement of students in Kerman University of medical sciences

Background and purpose: Study skills is one important factor influencing academic achievement of students . We must replace ineffective models and habits of study with more fruitful skills in order to gain better learning. This study investigates the study skills and habits of medical students and their educational achievement.Methods: Based on a pilot study the sample size was estimates as 400. Systematic cluster sampling based on medical school registry of students was used. The subjects were medical sciences students of different program. Data gathered with a researcher – made questioner of study skills containing five part including demographic question ; 14 items on planning and time management; 20 on active reading , 8 on concentration and 18 on note taking; and 20 on study habits.Results: The mean score was 163/1±28/2 (range 50-250) for study skill and 25/6±6/86 (range 20-60) for study habits. The mean scores of students for different components of study skills were 16.89±1.7 for planning and time management (Possible of 14-70), 59.1±14.1 for reading comprehension and speed (20-100), 19.8±6.6 for concentration (8-40), and 46.43±13.8 for note taking (18-90).The major defects in students’ study skills were planning and time management followed by concentration and note taking skills. Study skills had a significant correlation with educational achievement (r = 0.101, P < 0.05) while study habits correlation with educational achievement was not significant (r = 0.085, P > 0.05). Although males scored slightly better in study habits and all components of study skills but this superiority was only significant for reading comprehension and speed.Conclusion: Students need to learn study skills early in their university life. results showed weakness in study habits and study skill and deficit in planning and time management ,concentration and note taking skill. We suggest educational course or workshop about university skills for students.