STUDY SKILLS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF COLLEGE STUDENTS IN THE NEW NORMAL ENVIRONMENT
Erolle Linus Miranda Maria Fe Doong Novabella Llanos Elaine Grace Llagas
Ranie Diacor Syrell Klim Dalion
ABSTRACT
This study determined the relationship between study skills and academic performance of students in the new normal environment. The Descriptive- correlational design was utilized in this study. A total of 165 students were selected using the stratified sampling technique. The mean and Pearson r correlation were utilized as statistical tools to analyze the data. The results show that the college students have only moderate level of study skills and good rating in their academic performance. Moreover, there is a significant relationship between study skills and academic performance of students.
Keywords: Study Skills, Academic Performance, College Students, New Normal Environment
INTRODUCTION
Academic performance is an understandable concern for school administrators, instructors, educational scientists, and students. Knowledge acquisition and application are aspects of collaborative societal activity (UNESCO, 2015). The requirement for HEIs in the Philippines to create competent graduates in their respective subject who have the abilities and traits to deal with the ever-changing work environment in the twenty-first century is a monumental challenge (Magulod, 2017). Consideration of varied learning styles and preferences among university students is a vital step to create a quality and optimal learning experience.
Several earlier research have looked into the relationship between college students' study styles and their academic success. Indeed, Moeinikia and Zahed- Babelan (2010) and Williams, Brown, and Etherington (2013) confirm a beneficial relationship between learning styles and academic success in university contexts. Moreover, Wittmaier (1972) theorize that emphasizing students' development of effective study techniques rather than thinking that decreasing their worry about exams would improve their academic achievement. As a result,
Türkoglu et al. (2019) defined study skills as the ability to effectively use specific skills for learning (learning and planning study, library use, note taking, course participation, exam preparation, motivation, course preparation, effective reading, writing, health and nutrition, and listening skills).
Because research has shown that study skills are closely associated to academic achievement Naveh-Benjamin et al. (1991), it is critical to recognize the significant drop in study skills among students. Indeed, several academic institutions in Japan have reported a widespread drop in the overall academic ability of new college students (Suzuki, Arai, & Yanai, 1999; Tose & Nishimura, 2001). Furthermore, research revealed that Filipino students have challenges related to study skills (Silva, 2006).
Given the scenario on the importance of study skills as contributor to academic performance, a need for empirical study in the new normal environment needs to be conducted to determine if the pattern of relationship would vary in the online learning environment. Thus, this gives substantive data that will strengthen management decisions especially in doing academic intervention program to improve the performance of the students in the new normal ;earning delivery.
Statement of the problem
This study determined the relationship between study skills and academic performance of College students in the new normal environment. More specifically, this sought answers to the following questions:
1. What is the level of study skills of the college students?
2. What is the level of academic performance of the college students?
3. Is there a significant relationship between study skills and academic performance of College students?
FRAMEWORK
Effective study habits lay the groundwork for academic achievement, which leads to a prosperous life (James & Gardner, 1995). Consequently, Amerine et al. (2009) stated that one definite approach to improve students' grades is to improve their study habits. Moreover, Lopez and Brenan (2000) highlighted that the process of developing excellent study habits is the cornerstone of all educational progress.
METHOD Research Method
Descriptive-correlational design was utilized in this study. This design was used to measure the level of study skills and academic performance of College students in the online learning environment. Moreover, this study also explored the relationship between study skills and academic performance of College students.
Respondents
The College students in Criminology, Business, and Education Programs were the respondents of the study. A total of 165 students were selected using the stratified sampling technique to ensure substantial representative for each program.
Instrument
In the process of gathering the data, a survey questionnaire was used in measuring the study skills. The Study Skills Inventory (SSI) is a five-point-likert type scale that consists of 51 items which is divided into sixth components that include textbook reading, note-taking, memory, test preparation, concentration, and time-management. The scale was developed by Congos (1991). On the other hand, the academic performance (GPA) were obtained from registrar’s office.
Procedure
Permission and approval was obtained from the respondents before the conduct of data gathering. After getting their consent, a schedule was made for tests administration. The researcher administered the questionnaires in the classroom settings. Explanation about the study and instruction for the tests was verbally given by the researcher.
Data Analysis
The level of study skills and academic performance was measured through their mean scores. On the other hand, the Pearson product moment correlation was used to determine the relationship between the variables.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In Table 1, the data shows that the overall study skills and its indicators have moderate level with a mean that is between the range of 2.50 to 3.49. This means that textbook reading, note taking, memory, test preparation, concentration, and time management are sometimes performed by the students.
By looking at its mean, concentration skill (M=3.43) is slightly higher among all other indicators while time management (m=3.02) is the lowest.
Table 1. Level of Study Skills of Students
Study Skills Indicators Mean Description
Textbook Reading 3.21 Moderate
Note taking 3.19 Moderate
Memory 3.24 Moderate
Test preparation 3.39 Moderate
Concentration 3.43 Moderate
Time Management 3.02 Moderate
Overall 3.25 Moderate
As shown in Table 2, the mean GPA of College students across all programs is 84.27%. This suggest that the students have good rating of academic performance.
Table 2 Comparison in the Study Skills according to Sex
Mean SD
Academic Performance 84.27% 1.45
In Table 3, the results show that there is a significant relationship between study skills and academic performance of college students (r=.498, p<.05). Thus, the values suggest a moderate strength and directly proportional relationship between the variables. In other words, the increase in study skills would also likely increase the academic performance of College students. This finding conforms to the study of Ghaedi and Jam (2014) that there is a positive relationship between study habits and academic performance of students.
Table 3 Relationship between Study Skills and Academic Performance INDEPENDENT VARIABLES Academic Performance
R p-value Remarks
Study Skills .498 .000 Significant
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Since the students have moderate study skills, the Faculty may incorporate in their strategies in the online environment to push their students to improve their reading skills, note taking, memory, test preparation strategies, concentration, and time management.
2. Since study skills is associated with academic performance, the Guidance Office may introduce intervention programs to help improve the study skills of students.
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