This study skills assessment is for students interested in looking at their academic skills and seeing what areas they are already strong in and what they might be able to improve upon in regards to study skills and test taking strategies.
Be honest in responding since that provides you with the most useful information. Pay attention to your highest and lowest scores as they will indicate stronger and weaker areas.
1. I arrive at classes and other meetings on time.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
2. I devote sufficient study time to each of my courses.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
3. I schedule definite times and outline specific goals for my study time.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
4. I prepare a "to do" list daily.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
5. I avoid activities which tend to interfere with my planned schedule.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
6. I use prime time when I am most alert for study.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
7. At the beginning of the term, I make up daily activity and study schedules.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
8. I begin major course assignments well in advance.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
1. I have the "study-place" habit, that is, merely being at a certain place at a certain time means time to study.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
2. I study in a place free from auditory and visual distractions.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
3. I find that I am able to concentrate - that is, give undivided attention to the task for at least 20 minutes.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
4. I am confident with the level of concentration I am able to maintain.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
5. I have an accurate understanding of the material I wish to remember.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
6. I learn with the intention of remembering.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
7. I practice the materials I am learning by reciting out loud.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
8. I recall readily those things which I have studied.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
1. While I am taking notes, I think about how I will use them later.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
2. I understand the lecture and classroom discussion while I am taking notes.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
3. I organize my notes in some meaningful manner (such as outline format).
Never Sometimes Usually Always
4. I review and edit my notes systematically.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
5. I take notes on supplementary reading materials.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
6. I have a system for marking textbooks.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
7. When reading, I mark or underline parts I think are important.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
8. I write notes in the book while I read.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
1. I try to find out what the exam will cover and how the exam is to be graded.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
2. I feel confident that I am prepared for the exam.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
3. I try to imagine possible test questions during my preparation for an exam.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
4. I take time to understand the exam questions before starting to answer.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
5. I follow directions carefully when taking an exam.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
6. I usually get a good night's rest prior to a scheduled exam.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
7. I am calmly able to recall what I know during an exam.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
8. I understand the structure of different types of tests and am able to prepare for each type.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
1. When reading, I can distinguish readily between important and unimportant points.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
2. I break assignments into manageable parts.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
3. I maintain a critical attitude during my study--thinking before accepting or rejecting.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
4. I relate material learned in one course to materials of other courses.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
5. I try to organize facts in a systematic way.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
6. I use questions to better organize and understand the material I am studying.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
7. I try to find the best method to do a given job.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
8. I solve a problem by focusing on its main point.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
1. I sit near the front of the class if possible.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
2. I am alert in classes.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
3. I ask the instructor questions when clarification is needed.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
4. I volunteer answers to questions posed by instructors in the class.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
5. I participate in meaningful class discussions.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
6. I attend class regularly.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
7. I take the initiative in group activities.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
8. I use a study method which helps me develop an interest in the material to be studied.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
1. I survey each chapter before I begin reading.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
2. I follow the writer's organization to increase meaning.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
3. I review reading material several times during a semester.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
4. When learning a unit of material, I summarize it in my own words.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
5. I am comfortable with my reading rate.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
6. I look up parts I don't understand.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
7. I am satisfied with my reading ability.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
8. I focus on the main point while reading.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
1. I find that I am able to express my thoughts well in writing.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
2. I write rough drafts quickly and spontaneously from notes.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
3. I put aside a written assignment for a day or so, then rewrite it.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
4. I review my writing for grammatical errors.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
5. I have someone else read my written work and consider their suggestions for improved writing.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
6. I am comfortable using library sources for research.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
7. I am able to narrow a topic for an essay, research paper, etc.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
8. I allow sufficient time to collect information, organize material, and write the assignment.
Never Sometimes Usually Always
View Results
Adapted from the University of Houston Clear Lake Study Skills Assessment Questionnaire, with permission.