Review

Study Methods and Motivation

Study Methods and Motivation offers a practical, concrete program for improving your thinking and reading skills. Dr. Locke isolates the two fundamentals (ignored by most current texts} of successful studying: proper thinking methods and proper motivation.

Part I (Study Methods) includes intelligent techniques for taking notes, improving memory, managing time and reading purposefully. Each chapter is followed by practice exercises. Correct and incorrect answers are given to enable the student (or teacher} to evaluate his responses.

Part II (Motivation) examines the most effective methods for dealing with boredom and fatigue, for eliminating blocks to mental effort and for coping with test anxiety and failure. The book concludes with autobiographical portraits of two self-motivated students.

The well-organized chapters are short and to the point, focusing on the "how-to" of each topic addressed. The book specifically explains how to "understand," "ask questions" and "recall." With respect to motivation, it does not merely tell students to "set goals," "learn from your mistakes" and "stay calm during exams," but shows how to accomplish such tasks. Equally important, it provides training in self-monitoring – i.e., knowing introspectively when you are and are not performing the skills correctly and consistently.

The principles rigorously detailed in this book are applicable to any educational endeavor – including the world of work. By conscientiously applying these principles, employees can increase their productivity and effectiveness – and therefore their advancement – in today's highly demanding work environment.

The longevity of this book – over 20 years in print – speaks to its focus on sound principles of learning rather than on the fad of the moment or on allegedly effortless short-cuts. This is an invaluable aid-not only for students, but for anyone whose life involves studying and learning.

(183 pages)

Books

Study Methods and Motivation, A Practical Guide to Effective Study by Edwin A. Locke. Knowledge is power, said Bacon. Deliberate study from books is a crucial way to gain knowledge, but the effectiveness of time spent on study depends on approaching the process correctly. Having the right study methods and motivation makes the most productive use of study time and enables retention, integration, and application of the studied material. It turns study into knowledge. Dr. Locke describes exactly how to make the most of each study hour with specific, succinct advice. A bonus is the appendix with profiles of motivated students.

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