How Students Study: Who Uses What Strategies and Does It Matter?

Abstract

The present study explored the study habits and strategies of 469 college undergraduates and their impact on GPA. Study habits that positively correlated with higher GPAs included planning one’s study schedule in advance, studying in the morning, and spacing out study sessions. Self-testing was the only reliable study strategy that was positively correlated with GPA; cramming the night before an exam was negatively correlated with GPA. To assess whether study habits and strategies varied across student groups, Latent Profile Analysis was used to identify distinct subgroups. The three groups of learners differed in age, non-traditional student characteristics, and course modality preferences. Younger, moderately nontraditional, online-oriented students were more likely to plan their study schedule. Older, nontraditional students who prefer online learning were less likely to study with their friends. Overall, the present high-powered study of diverse college students demonstrates that learning behaviors vary by student characteristics and are related to grades. Accordingly, instructors must understand their students’ needs to provide effective support for their students.