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Math Study Skills Self-Survey

This study skills survey is designed to help you review your current study habits and perhaps learn new ones. The survey has thirty-three statements divided into five categories. For each statement, choose the response that is closest to your current practices and attitudes. After answering each statement, click the "Get My Grade!" button to see how you did.

(The questions in this survey were originally designed by Dr. Carolyn Hopper for her text "Practical College Study Skills". Some questions may not apply to the typical high-school student.)
    

 .

Section 1: Selecting a math class
   
  I schedule my math class for a time when I am mentally sharp.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it
  I try to choose a class with the best instructor for me.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  If I have a choice, I select a math class that meets three or four
           days a week, instead of just once or twice.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I schedule the next math class as soon as possible after I have
           completed the current course.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I am sure that I have signed up for the correct level math course.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
 .

Section 2: Time and place for studying
   
  I study math every day during the semester.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it
  I try to start my homework immediately after math class.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I have a specific time to study math.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I have a specific place with few distractions to study math.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I am careful to keep up-to-date with math homework.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I study math eight to ten hours a week.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
 .

Section 3: Study strategies for the class
   
  I read my textbook before I come to class.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  If I have trouble understanding the text, I find an alternate text.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I take notes in class.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I am careful to copy all the steps of math problems in my notes.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I ask questions when I am confused.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I go to the instructor or tutor center when I am confused.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I try to determine exactly when I got confused
           and exactly what confused me.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I review my notes and text before beginning the homework.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I work problems until I understand them, not just until I get the answers
           listed in the back of the book.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I use flashcards for formulas and vocabulary.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I develop memory techniques to remember math concepts.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
 .

Section 4: Math tests
   
  I preview the test before I begin.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  Before I begin, I make notes on things such as formulas that I might need.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I begin with the easy questions first.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I take the full amount of time allotted for the test.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I carefully check or rework as many problems as I have time to.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  When I get my tests back, I note the types of mistakes I made:
           concept errors, application errors, or careless errors, for example.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I keep up-to-date, so I don't have to "cram" the night before the test.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
 .

Section 5: Anxiety
   
  I believe that I can succeed in math class.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I have study partners in my math class.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I take practice tests.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 
  I know several good relaxation techniques.
    always / almost always
    sometimes
    almost never
    never even thought of it 


 

Credit:  The original "Math Study Skills Inventory" was created by Dr. Carolyn Hopper, Professor of Developmental Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. The original Study Skills Inventory currently resides in the text "Practicing College Study Skills", the third edition of which is published by Houghton Mifflin.
Questions reproduced by kind permission of the author.

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