Factors That Prevent From Studying Better

People think that the efficiency of students in learning is all about self-discipline and willpower. But as a
student, you should not be afraid to make "excuses" as to why you cannot study at your best. Keep in
mind that these reasons can be valid, and it is up to you to determine their cause and find appropriate
solutions to your problem. To figure out the reason why you struggle in school, below is a list of the most
common factors that prevent you from studying better.

1. Giving In To Procrastination

We live in a word that is full of distractions in every corner. Your smartphone, in particular, can provide
you with hours of distraction through social media apps, mobile games, text messaging, and music. As a
result, it is a lot harder to resist the calls of procrastination than it used to be.

Remember that it is scientifically proven that the human brain prefers short-term rewards over long-term
accomplishments. By studying, you can only reap the benefits of your actions after you graduate. But
reaching the next level in a mobile game or socializing with your friends on Facebook will only take a
minute.

A straightforward solution to beat procrastination is to eliminate its sources temporarily – be it your

phone, TV, radio, or even your fridge. You can also take advantage of the brain's alignment with short-
term goals by setting your daily objectives. And to stimulate the reward center of your brain, see to it that
you get adequate breaks after accomplishing something.

2. Studying In A Noisy Environment

Some people find bliss in working or studying in a busy café or at a friend’s house. However, some
individuals can be highly sensitive to the slightest noise. If you find yourself jumping or shifting your
eyes to the nearest sound source, then you may need to be somewhere quieter – like a school library.

Be wary of listening to white noise in an attempt to drown out the legitimate noisemakers. Although
natural sounds such as falling rain and rustling leaves can induce relaxation, studies prove that
background noise can impair your concentration. Studies reveal that white noise can even aggravate
stress-induced conditions like migraines, high blood pressure, and even coronary diseases.

3. Keeping Up With Discomfort

Studying in an uncomfortable position will not only affect your posture, but it will also negatively impact
your ability to focus. Studying in bed, for example, may cause you to twist and often turn – not to
mention it might lead to a stiff neck. Studying on the floor while waiting in a long line will also get you
nowhere.

If you want to study, see to it that you are in the most comfortable spot you can find. Do not settle for a
broken armchair, or your carpet, or the bus. You can focus more on learning if you are snug in a proper
desk.
4. Poor Lighting

About the previous factor, remember that a good study area is well-lit. If you make it a habit of studying
with dim lighting, not only will you needlessly strain your eyes, you will also induce drowsiness. Keep in
mind that your biological clock is dependent on external lighting. If dim lighting is making your eyelids
heavier, maybe it’s time to get a new lamp.

Another strategy is to study in broad daylight and keep your windows open. In addition to lighting up the
room, a sunny day will also uplift your mood and improve your motivation.

5. Poor Sleeping Habits

Improving your ability to stay awake is important, but you should also know how to get quality sleep.
Remember that sleep is a crucial process for memory retention. During deep sleep, the brain is hard at
work – consolidating new information in your long-term memory. Getting good sleep will also improve
your energy, mood, and focus on the following day.

But instead of focusing on the number of sleeping hours, you need to ensure proper sleeping conditions
that will help you attain deep sleep. Anything from your bed mattress to the noise level in your room
should be considered. Taking quick naps during the day is also a good idea to boost your energy as long
as you keep it moderate. Excessive napping will only disturb your natural sleeping cycle, especially
during afternoons.

6. Bad Social Circles

Let’s face it – friends do not always make great study-mates. In fact, they could be your number one
source of distraction. But with the right approach, they can also be your biggest motivators for studying
well.

Remember that you should also develop your socialization skills as a student. Part of it is learning how to
be accountable in the presence of a group. If you can, try to take the lead role in making sure everyone
excels academically. Say no to excessive partying and arrange group study sessions instead.

7. Poor Room Layout

Regardless if you believe in feng shui or not, the arrangement of furniture in a room can affect your focus.
Having clutter within your field of vision, for example, can increase stress levels and prevent you from
attaining maximum learning efficiency. Being cramped up with no room to stretch will also make it
harder for you to sustain your productivity.

A good strategy is to practice de-cluttering and organize your study area often. Make sure everything has
a proper storage location to keep your desk distraction-free.

Conclusion

Studying, like other professions, take preparation and commitment. By understanding the factors that
disrupt your productivity, you can come up with healthier study habits that will help you succeed.
Learning Good Study Habits
With many habits, the sooner you start practicing and developing good
habits, the better chance you will have that you will continue with them. We
all know that good study habits are essential to educational success. Good
study habits are an important part of any student’s success. We probably can
diminish the academic dishonesty by promoting good study habits with
students, and letting the students know that good study habits are very
important when it comes to school. Still, even procrastination can be
overcome with proper study habits, and improving your study habits is the
key to better studying. Good study habits are a great tool to have in the
toolbox of life.
Many of the tips for success for online students are the same as those for
students in an onsite classroom. Consider asking your school’s student
council to take on a study tips project. Following a few simple study tips can
help students effectively learn new concepts and theories. There have been
numerous published tips students can use as a guide for good study habits.

A good way to stay organized is to use folders so you child can keep his/her
assignments until needed and it is a great way of staying organized. Once
children reach the grades where homework and tests are part of the
curriculum, there are many things parents can do to encourage good study
habits. An effective way to study is to study before and while you do the
homework. A little amount of homework may help elementary school
students build study habits. Being organized and having homework routines
are the most important things in helping your child develop good study habits
for life.

All learning, however, is a process which settles into certain steps. Students
with learning problems, however, may still have generally inefficient and
ineffective study habits and skills. Becoming aware of your learning style will
help you to understand why you sometimes get frustrated with common
study methods.

Effective study habits are a very import part of the learning process. Good
study habits are all about keeping to a daily routine and giving all subjects
equal treatment. If your study habits are weak, take a “study skills” course
or have someone show you good study habits. The problem is that those high
school study habits are hard to shake. Hard work and good study habits are
assets that should be nurtured. Motivation and study habits are obviously
crucial as well. Good habits are important for all students to protect
investments of time and money and to achieve educational goals. After that
experience your study habits are permanently altered, this will help your own
preparation as you start teaching and last a lifetime. The main priorities are
class attendance, time management, and great studying habits are
necessary workings for an academic success.
What sets college thrivers and divers apart? A contrast in study habits, attitudes, and
mental health☆

Examines behaviors, study habits and college experiences for a sample of freshmen.

•
Poor time management, lack of study time associated with poor academic performance.

•
Past performance and expected study time does not explain the patterns.

•
Increasing study time may help improve achievement.

Abstract

Using a mandatory survey with open-ended questions asking students about their first-year
university experience, we explore what particular behaviors, study habits and overall
experiences early in college distinguish students who do very well in college (Thrivers) from
those who struggle greatly (Divers). We find that poor time management and very little time
spent studying are most associated with poor academic performance. Divers also report feeling
more depressed and unhappy with their lives. Both Thrivers and Divers arrive with high
aspirations, but Divers consistently fall short of their own study expectations. These patterns
suggest that very poor performing college students are not happily trading off academic
performance for more preferable activities, and that increasing the amount of time students
spend trying to learn may be an important necessary condition for improving achievement.
Study Habits and Attitudes: The Road to Academic Success 

Marie Jean N. Mendezabal

This study aimed to investigate the relationship of students’ study habits and attitudes and their
performance in licensure examinations. The participants were graduates in school year 2009-2010 from
the different programs of the University which require licensure examination. The study habits and
attitudes of the participants were assessed by administering the “Survey of Study Habits and Attitudes”
(SSHA) developed by Brown and Holtzman (1967) during their final year in the University and their
performance (overall rating) in the different licensure examinations was generated from the records of the
Philippine Professional Regulation Commission. Results of the study showed that the participants do not
have favorable study habits and attitudes. Among the noted unfavorable study habits were inefficient time
management, lack of planning and concentration in their studies, poor skills in reading, ineffective test
taking techniques, and failure to inform their teachers of their difficulties with school work and ask for
their help. The participants also demonstrated unfavorable attitudes toward teachers’ classroom behavior
and methods. It was further revealed that their performance in licensure examinations was quite low.
Significant relationship between study habits and attitudes and performance in licensure examination
were clearly shown in this study. Further analysis revealed that study habits (work methods and time
management) of the participants were correlated with their success in licensure examination while study
attitudes (i.e. attitudes toward teachers and educational acceptance) were not significantly related to
success in licensure examination. This connotes that students who have favorable study habits will likely
pass the licensure examination.

Students academic performance

Academic performance of students has been the subject of intensive research over the past years. It has
become an issue of standards and quality in education as judged from the performance of students in
national licensure and board examinations. However, various reports have documented the poor
examination performance of students. For example the report of the PRC on performance of graduates in
the different licensure and board examinations which has been declining in the last ten years. The overall
passing rates are quite low (around 36% on the average). In the 2010 professional licensure examinations
given by the PRC, almost 70 percent of college graduates in the country failed and, last year, only
125,419 of the 345,182 or 36.3 percent college and technical school graduates passed their respective
professional eligibility examinations, as per PRC records. This statistics were based on the results of
licensure examinations for 45 groups of professionals. Among the lowest number of passing rates were
posted by: elementary teachers (15.4 percent); secondary teachers (23.3 percent); electronic engineers
(23.5 percent); and registered electrical engineers (31.9 percent) (Philippine Education Sector Assessment
Project, 2011).  Other report provided data about education standard; indicating that deterioration had
occurred in all fields of education in the society.

The low performance of students in licensure examinations has important ramifications to educators,
schools and the educational system in general. Hence, there is a need to look into the factors that
contribute to the academic performance of students.

Study habits and attitudes of students

Many studies have analyzed the factors behind the performance of students. Earlier studies have been
carried out which focused on cognitive factors as predictors of academic success. Recently, there has been
a growing interest on the non-cognitive factors. A number of researchers have examined the role of non-
cognitive variables such as study skills (Fazal, S. et.al, 2012; Awang, G & Sinnadurai, S.K., 2011; Demir
et. al, 2012; Hassanbeigi et.al, 2011), study motivation (Tella, A., 2007; Nonis and Hudson, 2008), study
behavior (Yang Yang, 2011; Otto, 1978), study habits (Crede and Kuncel, 2008; Nuthana & Yenagi,
2009; Nouhi et.al, 2008; Bashir et. al, 2012; Boehler, 2001; Kurshid, 2012; Mutsotso et. al, 2010), and
attitudes (Sarwar et.al, 2010 and  Yu, 2011)  on academic achievement. Some argued that these factors
have strong relationship with academic performance of students, while others concluded that it was the
combination of the different factors that could explain students’ academic performance.

In a more recent meta-analysis, Crede and Kuncel (2008) found that non-cognitive factors like study
habit, skill and study motivation, among other attitudinal constructs, accounted for incremental variance
in academic performance beyond standardized tests and previous grades. Moreover, a literature review by
Nagaraju (2004) pointed out that for good academic success, good study habits and attitudes are
important. 

Study habit is the pattern of behavior adopted by students in the pursuit of their studies that serves as the
vehicle of learning. It is the degree to which the student engages in regular acts of studying that are
characterized by appropriate studying routines (e.g. reviews of material, frequency of studying sessions,
etc.) occurring in an environment that is conducive to studying. Study attitudes, on the other hand, refers
to a student’s positive attitude toward the specific act of studying and the student’s acceptance and
approval of the broader goals of college education (Crede and Kuncel, 2008). In short, study habits and
attitudes of students are determined through their time management ability, work methods, attitudes
toward teachers and acceptance of education.

A review of literature highlighted the importance of students study habits and attitudes in their academic
performance. According to Menzel, cited by Rana and Kausar (2011), many students fail not because they
lack ability but because they do not have adequate study skills. Students who have difficulty in college
frequently do not have adequate study habits that affect their academic achievement. A central problem
noted was that many of these students had not learned how to take effective notes and manage time for
studying (cited by Mutsotso S.N. & Abenga E.S., 2010). Moreover, a study by Nagaraju (2004) found
that students usually do not devote sufficient time to their studies and seldom have proper study habits. 

Efficient study habits are associated with a favorable attitude toward learning in general. As cited by Otto
(1978), beliefs in the value of intellectual pursuits and in the importance of education are positively
related to academic performance. An important aspect of a student’s attitude toward education is the
value he sees in what he has to learn. In the study of Sarwar et. al (2010), it was discovered that a
significant relationship between student attitudes and academic performance exists. Another research
found discrepancy between the study attitudes of high and low-achieving students. High-achieving
students had a more positive attitude toward study in that they detected and reacted positively to the
favorable aspects of the situation they found themselves in, while the low-achieving students tended to be
fault-finders, reacting to the negative aspects of study such as distractions and minor annoyances. The
high-achieving students found tertiary work an interesting challenge, accepted the restrictions and
conformed to the demands made upon them more readily, while the low achievers appeared to lack high-
level motivation. The more successful group was also found to be more realistic and discriminating in
their assessment of those situations which were highly relevant to scholastic achievement, such as
discipline and work priorities, and they were better organized in both their work and leisure activities.

In terms of attitude towards teachers, the high achievers generally have a positive attitude towards
teachers. For instance, as compared to low achievers, the high achievers more often say that their teachers
are competent, impartial, and interested in their duties (Sarwar, M., Bashir, M., Khan, M.N., & Khan,
M.S., 2009). Yu (2011) in his study revealed that among the SHSA factors examined, student perception
of teacher effectiveness influence accounting performance. 

Study habits and attitudes in relation to academic performance

A substantial amount of research has examined the role of students’ study habits and their attitudes to
study on academic performance. The study of Osa-Edoh and Alutu (2012) which examined the usefulness
of imbibing in the students study habit, as a means of enhancing their academic performance, revealed a
high correlation between study habits and students academic performance. This suggests that it is only
when students imbibe or cultivate proper study habits that their academic performance can be improved
upon. 

Similarly, Nuthana and Yenagi (2009) found significant correlation between study habits and academic
achievement. It further revealed that reading and note-taking habits, habits of concentration, and
preparation for examination had significant correlation with academic achievement. The authors pointed
out that students who are better in reading and note-taking, well prepared for the board examination and
have concentration may have better academic achievement. An association between study skills and
academic performance also has been found to prevail among undergraduate students. The study of Fazal
(2012) identified various study skills used by learners and ascertain which study skills is more related to
academic achievement. Results of the study indicate significant relationship of time-management skills,
reading and note-taking skills with academic achievement. Students with higher academic achievement
used a wide range of study skills as compared to students with lower academic achievement.

Another study was conducted using a Q factor analysis to understand the study behavior and habits of
undergraduate students. The Q factor analysis was used to classify students as either proactive learners
with well-organized study behavior or disorganized procrastinators based on their self-reported study
behavior. Findings of the study showed a significant difference in the academic performance of the two
groups of students. Student type was found to be a significant predictor of academic achievement beyond
and above students’ attribute variables (Yang, 2011).

Nonis and Hudson (2010) also conducted a study on performance of college students-impact of study
time and study habits in which they found that some study habits had a positive direct relationship on
student performance but others had a negative direct relationship. 

Hassanbeigi et al. (2011), in their study of the relationship between various study skills and academic
performance of university students, noted that the study skills scores of students with GPA of 15 and
above (out of 20) were statistically higher than those students with GPA of less than 15 in all of the seven
skills (time management and procrastination, concentration and memory, study aids and note-taking, test
strategies and test anxiety, organizing and processing information, motivation and attitude, and reading
and selecting the main idea). 

Because of the importance of study habits and attitudes on academic performance, some researchers have
proposed strategies that will help students develop effective study habits and attitudes. For example, the
study of Demir et al. (2012), which examined the effect of development of efficient studying skills
curriculum on academic achievements and studying skills of learners, found that students can acquire
efficient studying skills by means of curriculum for developing efficient studying skills. The students
were able to organize the study environment and use specific methods effectively, such as efficient
reading, listening lectures, note-taking, efficient writing and doing homework. It further revealed that
those students where the curriculum was implemented have increased academic achievement as compared
to the group of students on which the curriculum was not implemented. Mutsotso and Abenga (2010) also
propose a paradigm shift in study methods and suggest strategies for both lecturers and the students in
universities towards improved learning and performance. It is based on the “distributed learning
approach” that adequately cater for individual differences that exist among the students. The model will
address the study space needs and the efficiency and effectiveness of study methods.

To sum up, the literatures cited point to the importance of study habits and attitudes to academic
performance or success of students.
How to Develop and Maintain Good Study Habits

In February 2019, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an order intended to put an end to the
Common Core State Standards of public education, but the order does not really object to the
subject matter of the curriculum as such; instead, it focuses on the extensive use of testing and
examinations, which many critics believe promote the questionable habit of cramming. While
American college students are known to cram for exams as part of a goal-oriented approach to
studying, there are serious concerns about this practice in terms of actually gaining knowledge.

Many psychological research studies have determined that the so-called “testing effect” has
both advantages and disadvantages. Henry L. Roediger and Jeffrey D. Karpicke have dedicated
substantial effort to researching both cramming and the testing effect; the good news is that
repeated memory tests are actually beneficial to the extent that they actually promote long-term
retention, but the bad news is that such strategies are seldom applied in university settings.

Let’s say you are taking Principles of Microeconomics as part of your Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration program at Florida National University; you have an upcoming test on
market structures, and thus you decide to cram the concepts of perfect competition, monopolies
and oligopolies, and their characteristics. You purchase a whiteboard from Office Depot, draw a
chart of all market structures and memorize it so that you ace the test. The problem with this
approach is that you will likely move on to cramming for the next test, thus forgetting about
market structures. There is a way you can counter this negative outcome, and that is through
drilling one memory test after another, but that will not happen because the course will move on
to other topics.

How Proper Study Habits Can be Developed

You will be unlikely to find the time to get the benefits of the testing effect as you work on
completing your college curriculum. The testing effect is sometimes used by military units and in
some internship scenarios, but it is not conducive to higher or professional education.
Cramming and crash studying may eventually lead to memory loss situations that will make you
feel as if you are a faulty computer. The stakes are high because you may not only risk failing a
course but also run into future situations such as a crucial job interview where you have to recall
market structures.

Good study habits can be developed as a set of routines; the goal is to condition yourself in a
manner that allows you to focus on your materials and absorb all information, not just possible
test situations. Here are four steps you can take in this regard:

1 – The Right Environment

If you can recall classical conditioning and Pavlovian responses from high school, you will
understand the importance of setting up a spot where you can really study, concentrate and
learn. This space will become the pillar of your good study habits routine, a place you can
repeatedly enter and send a signal to your brain that you are ready to focus and learn. This step
becomes even more crucial when you choose a fully online program such as FNU’s Bachelor of
Arts in Legal Studies.
2 – Efficient Organization
When your course materials are a mess, you will find it extremely difficult to concentrate. After
you choose the right environment, be sure to keep it tidy and stocked with the tools to enhance
your studying: pencils, calculators, highlighters, or a browser page open to Wolfram Alpha. One
FNU course that just about every student will encounter is SLS 1501 – College Study Skills,
which promotes good habits such as creating simple systems for class assignments, materials
review, research, and other study factors. To learn more about this course and similar
subjects, contact one of our academic advisers.

3 – Time Management
Many FNU students are working adults who must balance their jobs with family time, leisure and
education. Without a time management plan, completing a certificate or degree program at FNU
would be nearly impossible. FNU provides flexible learning options such as online courses to
busy students, but it is up to you to make the most out of your time. Work-life balance can come
naturally to many students, but anyone can benefit from enhancements available from
smartphone apps such as Rescue Time. As long as you can firmly commit to a schedule for a
few days in a row, you will find time management to be one of the easiest steps towards the
development of good study habits.

4 – The Right Mix of Goals and Motivation

Life is full of distractions, and going to college is not an exception. As much as FNU strives
towards providing an immersive learning environment, our students are bound to be bombarded
with distracting external factors that are part of life in this 21st century. Boosting your personal
work ethic can go a long way towards resisting distractions, but you will also need a system to
reward yourself for small achievements. A nice cup of coffee with friends, for example, can be a
good way to celebrate getting good grades on a course assignment; in this case, you should
visualize both the grade and the reward as goals, and your motivation would naturally unfold
into envisioning the next set of goals.

Learning Styles Are Up to You

Study habits and learning styles are different concepts. FNU recognize high socioeconomic
diversity within the student body, which is why blended learning, evening classes, and online
courses are offered, but you are free to choose the particular style that suits your personality.
Regardless of your learning style, FNU will make available financial aid, scholarships, athletics,
job placement, and campus activities as tools to enhance your learning experience. To start
planning your future, get in touch with an admissions counselor today. Keep in mind that FNU is
a fully accredited private university that has been granting degrees since 1982 from our two
South Florida campus locations.