Skip to main content

Section 7.2 Habits of a Successful Student

  • Acts responsibly.

    This student

    • reads the documents (such as course outline) that are passed on by the instructor and acts on them.

    • takes an active role in their education.

    • does not cheat and encourages academic integrity in others.

  • Sets goals.

    This student

    • sets attainable goals based on specific information such as the academic calendar, academic advisor, etc..

    • is motivated to reach the goals.

    • is committed to becoming successful.

    • understands that their physical, mental, and emotional well-being influences how well they can perform academically.

  • Is reflective.

    This student

    • understands that deep learning comes out of reflective activities.

    • reflects on their learning by revisiting assignments, midterm exams, and quizzes and comparing them against posted solutions.

    • reflects why certain concepts and knowledge are more readily or less readily acquired.

    • knows what they need to do by having analyzed their successes and their failures.

  • Is inquisitive.

    This student

    • is active in a course and asks questions that aid their learning and build their knowledge base.

    • seeks out their instructor after a lecture and during office hours to clarify concepts and content and to find out more about the subject area.

    • shows an interest in their program of studies that drives them to do well.

  • Can communicate.

    This student

    • articulates questions.

    • can speak about the subject matter of their courses, for example by explaining concepts to their friends.

    • takes good notes that pay attention to detail but still give a holistic picture.

    • pays attention to how mathematics is written and attempts to use a similar style in their written work.

    • pays attention to new terminology and uses it in their written and oral work.

  • Enjoys learning.

    This student

    • is passionate about their program of study.

    • is able to cope with a course they don't like because they see the bigger picture.

    • is a student because they made a positive choice to be one.

    • reviews study notes, textbooks, etc..

    • works through assignments individually at first and way before the due date.

    • does extra problems.

    • reads course related material.

  • Is resourceful.

    This student

    • uses the resources made available by the course and instructor such as the Math Workshop, the course container on WebCT, course websites, etc..

    • researches how to get help in certain areas by visiting the instructor, or academic advisor, or other support structures offered through the university.

    • uses the library and internet thoughtfully and purposefully to find additional resources for a certain area of study.

  • Is organized.

    This student

    • adopts a particular method for organizing class notes and extra material that aids their way of thinking and learning.

  • Manages his/her time effectively.

    This student

    • is in control of their time.

    • makes and follows a schedule that is more than a timetable of course. It includes study time, research time, social time, sports time, etc..

  • Is involved.

    This student

    • is informed about their program of study and their courses and takes an active role in them.

    • researches how to get help in certain areas by visiting the instructor, or academic advisor, or other support structures offered through the university.

    • joins a study group or uses the support that is being offered such as a Math Workshop (that accompanies many first and second year math courses in the Department of Mathematics) or the general SFU Student Learning Commons Workshops.

    • sees the bigger picture and finds ways to be involved in more than just studies. This student looks for volunteer opportunities, for example as a Teaching Assistant in one of the Mathematics Workshops or with the MSU (Math Student Union).