Incorporating study skills in a freshman engineering course

Freshman engineering at West Virginia University is being revised. Our long standing commitment to design projects is retained, but goals are changing to include greater use of mathematics and computers and emphasis on college survival skills. Survival skills am divided into two areas: personal study habits and group study. A poll was taken of seniors, asking how much time they had spent on freshman courses. The same survey was given to the freshmen. The results were presented to the freshmen. Students wrote a schedule of classes and amusement time and the remaining time was discussed. We tried to help students decide how to use time efficiently. We reviewed the study habits of successful people, and note taking and homework exercises were discussed. Teaching styles, the utility of "old tests", preparation for tests, and test taking skills were reviewed. The engineering reliance on team work was discussed. Students were organized into study groups, and group study sessions were planned. The group concept as reinforced by the faculty throughout the course. Math homework was assigned to be done by the groups. Quizzes were given where the grade depends upon the group score. At this point, the results are primarily anecdotal. They appear to show the value of group study. Simple instruction in study skills by itself did nor produce the same success which was accomplished by the group activities m e conclude that reaching "how to study" is not as effective as teaching group study. Thus the focus should not be on simply teaching study skill but rather in teaching group study habits and enforcing this group activity.